Even though the year is well underway, I still want to talk about New Years Resolutions. Why? I’m fascinated by the fact that so many people make the same resolutions year after year, and yet the only progress usually made is adding another digit to the year…again.

If your resolutions have been made and broken already this year, there is much to learn from it. If you didn’t even bother to come up with resolutions because it “never seems to work” for you, then keep reading.

It’s time to redefine your resolutions, and set yourself up for success, rather than failure (which many of us unknowingly do).

The Problem with Resolutions

 

One of the biggest problems with resolutions is that we’re attempting to overcome habits.

I like to say that habits make simple things seem hard. It’s quite contradictory, since habits are actually designed to make life easier. Think about it – habits allow you to do many activities unconsciously, like brush your teeth, or take a shower. You don’t have to consciously think about the steps to get them done.

But you do have to really think and make a conscious effort to do things differently once you’ve created a habit. For example, if you have a habit of losing your temper in traffic, next time you’re in traffic, that’s your conditioned response. You have to stop the process and consciously choose to do something different in order to replace that habit.

The Solution for the Resolution

 

There are several solutions that can work, and which one will work best depends on the reason why you might be struggling with the change. It’s very important to do what works for you, and know that even if something works for someone else, it may not work for you. But it’s worth it to keep trying until you do figure out what will help you fulfill your purpose.

Tips to Redefine Your Resolutions

 

  1. Find your unique driver. Look deep within and learn what drives you – then use that drive to your advantage.
  2. Set yourself up for success. BIG goals are intriguing, but they are also overwhelming. Break your big goals down into bite size chunks, and celebrate the small successes.
  3. Become a quitter. Many resolutions center on quitting something – smoking, eating sugar, making excuses, etc. When you become a quitter, remember that you have to replace what you’re quitting with something else, or the habit will come back.
  4. Have laser focus. It’s not enough to say you resolve to lose weight, eat better or make more money. What EXACTLY does that mean? Finding a dollar on the street means you’ve made more money, but is that enough? What is it you want, and how can you get there? Focus on your efforts, because they are all you control.
  5. Align with your purpose. You were put on this planet for a unique reason. When you have 100% clarity around your purpose, and your actions are congruent, NOTHING can stop you.
  6. Align with your values. Your values are composed of the things that are important to YOU. If your resolutions are not 100% in line with your values, your subconscious mind won’t give you the permission to succeed.
  7. Align with your environments. You live in your environments…all the time. You cannot escape them, and so your environments must be crafted to attract and support your goals.

Resolve to Redefine, Now!

 

As you move forward through the year, you can resolve to do things differently. You don’t have to wait for January 1st to make a change. Look at any resolutions you’ve made but been unable to keep until now. Use the tips to redefine your resolutions, and empower yourself to succeed!

Take a moment now to share with us your resolutions and how they have or have not worked for you.