Happy New Year!
Once again the calendar reads January, and people everywhere have decided that this January they will make positive change in their life. All over the world, people have made New Years Resolutions, and are starting the year intent on improving the way they live. It is a tradition that has become ingrained in Western Culture, and one that society expects almost as much as giving gifts at Christmas. It is truly a phenomenon. My question is "How come most 'Resolutions' never see past February?"
I will tell you why, and I will also tell you how you can make a
REAL CHANGE in your life that will last!
It's Amazing how the changing of a number can trigger so many to want to make 'Resolutions'. We have come to accept that January or New Years means we must
try to change something in our life. Its usually the old favorites: quit smoking, lose weight, more confidence, build muscle, better job, and the list goes on, and its usually things that we definitely should change but have found excuses in the past to not do it! New Years allows us the opportunity to 'give it a go'. Its a great tradition, and that is exactly why 9 out of 10 people quit before the end of February. It has become a fad, a trend, and we make 'Resolutions' secretly knowing we will actually give up! Think about it- Even the world 'Resolution' triggers thoughts of eventual failure! The perception of the word itself, along with the years of tradition has made this event more of a occasion, then a life altering time of decision.
Most people would define 'New Years Resolution' as- A time of year where you choose something that you know you should change about yourself, and change it for a month or so. Quitting by the end of January is not acceptable, but if you make it to February then it is generally accepted that you have done OK. Make it to March and people will be impressed, but why bother, nobody cares by then.
How can you make an important life altering decision based on these beliefs and perceptions? You can't. Especially if you are a serial 'Resolutionary' and make them every year, and every year you fail. If you do the same thing you will always get the same results, therefore another 'New Year Resolution' will result in the same Result. For you, you need to NOT MAKE A RESOLUTION- that's right! Do Nothing!
Continue doing the thing you need to change! Yes, do it and for the months of January and February, everytime you do it, think about how awful it is for you, and how your life could improve if you changed. Really think of a big enough 'WHY'. Visualize the negative effects on your life, think of the worst case scenarios and visualize them when you smoke, or drink, or eat too much! ( Read related articles for more info on these techniques)
Now you are ready. Make a
REAL decision to
IMPROVE YOUR LIFE, do it alone and use your 'why'. Visualize the person you want to be! This is not a 'resolution', this is a
LIFE CHANGING DECISION ! COMMIT TO THIS! BE A SUCCESS!It is important to know that change is always difficult, it takes time to create new habits. Just remember to stay focused, and even if you stumble get right back up and focus even harder.
For online advice on
Making Positive Change and Succeeding, send an e-mail to ican@successinc.co.ukWhatever you do I wish you all a Healthy and Prosperous New Year for you and yours.
"To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first." Shakespeare
