Begin Anew

It’s almost January and once again we can start with a clean slate or a “Do Over” year.  What can we do with a whole new year to bring ourselves more joy and fulfillment?   The beginning of anything has so much promise for achievements, new adventures, and self promises.  We have the opportunity to be a better person, live our days to the fullest and really make some life changes. I’m getting pumped up just thinking about the possibilities.

But wait - are you thinking the same way as last year?  Are you looking at the same list of resolutions that you did previously knowing that your resolve will last only a few days, weeks or perhaps a month?  You have all these good intentions but life just seems to get in the way.  You get hurried, distracted and the one thing you really want to achieve becomes too hard to manage.  Before you know it you have pushed your plans to the back of the priority list to be dealt with later. Sound familiar?

So what can you do to change the pattern you have set up for yourself?  First step is to find the trigger that makes you want to change habits.  Everyone has a trigger that makes them stop and be accountable to themselves.  That is when the real change can begin.

What is it that you want to accomplish?  Find what is deep inside that makes you want start down this path of change.  Are you passionate about the process and result it will give you?  There is a difference between thinking you want something and truly feeling a passion about what it will bring you.  Think about how you feel when you have done something for the sole purpose of accomplishment or achievement.  It comes from deep inside you and will cause a push to reach for your desired goal.  The best part is the great feeling you have as you get closer to reaching your objective.

Think about times in your life that you wanted to do something and you really had to work hard to achieve it.  Now think about the feeling you got inside with each step of accomplishment.  Yes it was hard to do but the reward inside is something you can’t really describe to another person because it is so personal and comes from a feeling deep within you.  It is a connection to your inner self and that is where the real self work is done.

So here are a few things to think about as you start this journey of making desired change and reaching for what you have wanted and dreamed about.

First - don’t make a resolution!  Slow down, and sit down.  Take time to think about what you really want.  Ask yourself these questions.  Why do you want this?  Think about the reasons and write them down.  If you can’t express them you won’t be able to act.  What actions do you need to take in order to move forward with your desires?  How long will it take you to accomplish this idea, goal or project? Is it a new habit that you need to develop?  Write it down and put some thought into the details.  Do you need support or an accountability plan?  Will you have to overcome others who try to sabotage you with either words or actions?  Write down an action plan how to overcome these personal tests?    Finally how will you reward yourself for staying on track?  Remember the ultimate goal or desired change is the real reward but in the meantime what will give you meaning to keep pushing yourself.  Do you need to set up small incentives along the way? Perhaps it would be helpful to keep reminders around to stay on track.

By taking these steps you can turn many of your dreams into reality.  It takes planning time and a commitment on your part.  But more than anything you need to find the true reason why it is something you desire and that is the most important part of this process.  Without knowing the WHY you will not be inspired to do the HOW and WHEN. 

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek,”  Mario Andretti