By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Walnut Creek Magazine, Dec 06/Jan 07
Most
people don't like change, yet would like their life to be better,
or different in some respect. Embracing the idea of a clean slate,
they etch out ambitious New Year's resolutions. More often than
not, their resolve fades away by Valentine's Day. What happens
to their dreams?
Simply
put, making changes is hard. Habits are born in the mind and come
into fruition through one's thinking; the tendency to take the
path of least resistance is very strong. Maintaining the old pathways
of thought is much more comfortable, and thus, easier accomplished.
But with practice, blazing new paths in the mind to
reach your goals is possible. Here are some tips to rev-up your
resolutions:
- Make it specific
& measurable. The more well-defined your goal,
the better likelihood you will reach it, and know
when you've reached it.
- Be accountable.
You must tell someone besides your dog. Check in regularly
with your resolution partner. Pray.
- Carve it in
stone. Write your goals on 3 x 5 cards and carry them
with you. Look at them throughout the day. Writing down goals
psychologically raises their importance.
- Make affirmations.
Have the guts to say what you want. Verbalize “I am
or I have” statements. Practice saying it in the mirror. Your
focus determines your reality.
- Take action.
Goals need to be attacked bit by bit, day by day.
Take a step each day that will bring you closer to your desired
goal. English Sculptor Henry Moore said “I think in terms of
today's resolutions, not the year's.”
- Lift as you
climb. Helping others provides a tremendous sense of
well being and positive impact all the way around. Success follows
those who are generous with their abundance. Givers gain.
- You've gotta
want it. This is your life, these are your goals.
Make resolutions after a thorough soul searching; be true to
yourself.
Be
realistic, knowing that it may take the better part of the year
to see progress. The important thing to do is to keep starting.
Each new day is an opportunity to rev-up your resolutions.
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