The clock is ticking on 2012 coming to an end and it’s time for New Year’s Resolutions for 2013. As we enter the coming year it seems we all feel some nudge to make positive changes in our lives. There are the usual resolutions of losing weight, eating healthier, quitting smoking and for the more adventurous maybe trying a new hobby. We go into these resolutions with the best of intentions yet as cold and dreary January drags on many find their willpower vanishes.
What can be different this year? What can help us keep our resolve to achieve these goals, dreams and aspirations? Experts say to first be realistic about your goals. What are the real life possibilities of giving up sugar, going to the gym 6 times a week and climbing Mount Everest? More attainable goals might be to only eat items with sugar on weekends, do something active ‘most’ days of the week and take a rock climbing class.
Next to setting a realistic goal is making an action plan. You need to know what you have to do before you can do it. Do you want to take the early morning spin class before work each Wednesday? Then you’ll need to have your clothes, breakfast and lunch ready the night before, alarm set to allow enough time to dress, gather your things, drive to the gym, put your items away and get settled in the bike room. Break down each goal into steps to be prepared and succeed.
Along with being realistic in making a resolution we also need to be realistic in knowing that slip ups do happen. The difference between achieving and failure is in how you handle the setback. Allow yourself some space to be human. Forgive, and accept any minor slips and get back to your action plan to make your resolution a reality.
Another big help is to tell other people what you resolutions are. Look for people that can be both a coach and cheerleader; people that can help you be accountable while giving encouragement.
All of this still too daunting? You may want to try Micromovements by author SARK. SARK describes them, “Micromovements are a method of completing projects in a time span of 5 minutes or less.” She suggests choosing a tiny step – something you already know how to do. Write down a time and date for completion. Be willing to go smaller! Let’s you want to organize your home office but you don’t know where to start. A first micromovement may just be to open the door; that is all you would do for that day is open the door. The next day you might take a box off a shelf and do nothing more. It’s in these very small steps that the work does get accomplished. Check out SARK’s Micromovement Sheet for help.
You can do anything you set your mind to do. Get realistic, make a plan, tell a friend and achieve all your resolutions for 2013!