Well, it's that time of the year again: New Year means New Resolutions for many people. I think it's become more like a ritual that many of us follow. It's a time to reflect on successes and failures of the year that's going by. And it's also a time to embark on activities, goals that we would like to accomplish with hope, vigor and enthusiasm.
The list can look something like this -
"I want to lose weight this year"
"I want to quit smoking, quit drinking"
"I want to be financially fit this year"
"I want to find love"....................So on and so forth.
As January rolls around, we begin putting our plans to actions only to discover or should I say re-discover the thoughts of giving up -"can't do it";
then the excuses - "I want to do it but life just became so hectic, I couldn't find time".
These read familiar, don't they?
So why can't you keep and achieve your resolutions successfully?
It's because you are trying to create a "change"; break an old habit; an old lifestyle only to adopt a new one. And that can't be easy for most. It's easier to fall right back into the same old comfortable patterns than walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes or to pick up that book on financial planning.
Then there are few other reasons; according to a recent survey:
Procrastinating 33%
Lack of discipline 24%
No game plan 19%
When is the right time to start? How, where and what to do in order to begin?
For many the challenge is in staying consistent until the goal is reached. Will power alone just doesn't cut it.
So what does one do?
I think we all know there's no better time to start than now. RIGHT NOW, not when you are less busy or from Monday; all they are, are excuses. So do not procrastinate if you are serious about what you want. Start writing down your goals.
Begin by educating and learning a little about what you are hoping to accomplish, so you can come up with a plan for yourself. If you want to begin investing and have no idea where to start, start talking to people you know who maybe good at it. Learn from what they are doing just to get a feel of what may or may not work for you. Google investment articles, books, websites, financial advisors who maybe able to educate you.
Arm yourself with knowledge and while you are doing that Remember - You don't need to know EVERYTHING to get started. Simplicity in goal setting and achievement works well.
If you are looking to lose weight, you don't need to have read everything under the sun about weight loss. Sometimes too much information becomes more like a hindrance rather than help. I have always found a good place to begin is to go back to the basics. Don't get caught up in everything, everybody is preaching or what the fad is today. For e.g. - if you are trying to lose weight, remember there is no quick way around it. You have to go back to the basics - Calories in should be less than calories out. Pair this with some exercise every single day and you WILL see results. Take everything in moderation. But if you get caught up in craze diets - more fat, less carb diet or less fat, more carb diet and such , you *can* get confused and this may or may not get you anywhere. Sometimes even paralyze you from beginning because of all the information overload.
Try incorporating following tips; they have worked wonderfully for my self and for many that I've coached over the years:
1. STOP looking at things you want to accomplish as chores - Many a times this can be a block for some, when it becomes like just another thing that needs to be done on the to do list. In my opinion, we lose the fun behind it and it becomes a drag, often forcing us subconsciously to give up.
2. Break the big goal into smaller achievable goals - Say, you have to lose 50 lbs, tell yourself, I am going to begin by losing 10 in next 2 months. Of course have the big goal in sight and strive for it but don't let it create the pressure or overwhelm you, so you give up or worst, don't even get started.
3. Make the benefits you want to experience your focus and your goals a means to get there - I call this re-phrasing and in a way tricking your mind to get around the blocks.
Again let's take the common goal for most - losing weight. What would be the benefits once you achieve this? Relief from the extra weight your body is carrying, getting rid of diabetes, blood pressure in some cases, happier, more confident, more worthy perhaps. Different people seek different advantages or benefits from their respective goals. If the benefits to you are important and you keep them as your focus, losing weight simply becomes a means to get there.
4. Last but not the least, just know, there is no overnight quick easy way of achieving what you want. Change requires work and it requires time. You cannot lose 50 lbs in 30 days even if you starve. So be patient, be realistic with your self and with the process. Set achievable goals for yourself.
I wish you all the success in everything.
Ruchira A., C.ht, MBA is a leading international Intuition expert, Life Coach and a Certified Hypnotherapist. She is known for her down-to-earth, simple and easy approach. Find out more about her Investment-in-self(R) workshops and other services and products by visiting - http://www.innerveda.com
Copyright 2007 Ruchira A.
