We all know someone like this. If you don't..... it could be you.
This is the time of year when everyone chooses to press the "refresh" button. We all make our resolutions for what this new year will bring us, how we will change our lives for the better, and in what areas we will grow. It is the one time of year that the majority of society will admit they have to change something AND work out a plan to make it happen. Step 3 however is to follow the plan - for more than just January!
This year I am excited for a the new year. I have resolved to become a better me; be it wife, friend, new mom, business woman, etc. What are you going to do? Don't get me wrong, I will also make the same 95%er resolutions the rest of society makes as well; to eat healthier and be more active, be frugal, get out of debt, enjoy life more, learn something new, etc. I also resolve to KEEP them.
Resolutions are fine and dandy; great even! The proof (and truth) is in the pudding - and the pudding here is our plans to make our resolutions happen and our ability to discipline ourselves to follow through with the plans. A resolution is defined as a determination. A determination is defined as a decision. And, although a decision does not necessarily have to be set in stone being determined about your decision should essentially make it set in stone, one would think. So why do we buy the gym pass, go for a month, and then forget we even bought it?
Change does not happen overnight (whether in a single person, family or an entire business), anyone who thinks it does has never really changed. Change is a process, in this case of improvement; it is the creating of a new habit. Creating a new habit is just as hard as outing a old/bad habit. SO all you who are thinking that the world doesn't know what it feels like to try to quit smoking if they aren't smokers themselves (example), think again. Creating a new good habit is just as hard.
Research has proven that creating or breaking a habit takes 21 consistent days. Not an eternity, just 3 measly weeks! The important part here is to remember the difference between your subconscious and conscious mind. Your subconscious mind is extraordinarily powerful when programmed properly. Your conscious mind is the one telling you how painful this is going to be and how you will never make it. So, my friends, as my husband Matt loves to quote "we have to stop listening to ourselves and start talking to ourselves." Do you REALLY want to lose that weight, run that marathon, quit smoking, become a better spouse, etc? Really? Then all we must do is tell ourselves it is only 21 days, that's nothing, no biggy, sinche, easy-peasy. Take a calendar, do a countdown, cross the days off. By the time you hit day 21 you will realize consciously it isn't that hard and subsciously the importance of continuing.
The next important thing to be doing during this resolution season - 21 day commitment to change and betterment - is to be using imagery to program your powerful subconscious. Find a few pictures that can portray the person you will be, the old habit you will have kicked, or the new habit you will have achieved and keep this infront of you. Perhaps in your wallet, on your bathroom mirror, on your bulletin board, on your fridge, you choose; but choose a place where you will be certain to see it everyday. Your subconscious sees this picture and believes it is reality then setting you out to do whatever it takes to achieve this.
Finally, we go back to good ole association. "If you hang around with bank robbers, odds are you will drive the get-away car." So, my goodness, what would happen if you choose in 2012 to hang around with people who have success and are working towards more success?! And by "success" I do not mean solely money. Money doesn't buy happiness in your marriage, money can't buy you true friends, money doesn't make you skinnier itself, money doesn't give you more believe in yourself or a higher power. Money is a tool. I mean in any of the 8F areas of your life - family, friends, finances, fitness, faith, freedom, fun, and following (LIFE, 2011).
So this year I will make resolutions along with the rest of society, I will work harder than ever to keep them, I will focus on 21 days, I will place pictures, quotes and phrases everywhere (so if you visit me at home don't ask, because now you know) and perhaps most importantly, I will continue to associate with people who are choosing to better their lives, as well.
What will you do in 2012?
Keep Dreaming,
M
