Broken New Year's Resolutions!

So it’s been a few months since you made those New Year resolutions and how many are still a daily priority? Probably not many. Why does this happen? Well, I’m here to tell you a few of the most common mistakes made by folks. But first, let’s learn a bit about where this undelivered over promised tradition derived. The Babylonians celebrated New Years Day over four thousand years ago, although their celebration was in March rather than in January, coinciding with the spring planting of crops. Resolutions are a reflection of the Babylonians' belief that what a person does on the first day of the New Year will have an effect throughout the entire year. Side note; You might want to remember that at the next New Year's Eve party! Regardless of the Babylonians tradition, The New Year for modern day folks has always been a time for reflecting on the past year’s events, and looking forward to what’s in store in the coming year. It's time to become motivated to change the things needed. But more often then not, most people choose resolutions that are dreams or drastic changes that may be difficult to show immediate results. Hence, one of the reasons a resolution is broken. To help you achieve these resolutions. Below is a list of some things to remember… n 1. Don’t set too many resolutions! There's a temptation, with the New Year, to run off a list of everything we've ever wanted to change. Don’t do it! You'll have better luck fulfilling one or two goals than you will with a list of twenty. You can always add new resolutions later. Take one thing at a time and focus. 2. Don’t ask for your ship to come in!. You must choose action oriented goals that are achievable over time. This is not the lottery. It’s a resolution for change, a commitment for a better life. If your resolution is more money, then be the captain for your ship. Guide it along a course that will reach the shoreline of your choice. n 3. Make a Plan. This is the TRUE key to success! Once you know what your resolution is, try to break it down. Nobody accomplishes anything of significance by trying to do it all at once. This doesn't have to be a complicated plan; just put it on paper and stick to what you write. And keep that paper in eye sight always. 4. Celebrate! You must reward yourself through the progress. Every small accomplishment needs to be recognized and honored. This will give you encouragement to continue. For example, if your resolutions is to loose 10 lbs. Celebrate yourself for each pound you loose, or each time you eliminate the bad foods and add healthier choices, or when you increase your exercise program. Example: Loose 20 lbs, you might devise a plan like this: 1) Determine the amount of time it will take to loose the weight (realistically) 2) Surf the Internet to find different exercise plans and research gyms to join. 3) Create a meal plan (with a nutritionist or purchase a book) 4) Create an exercise plan (by week, by month…) 5) Write out meal and exercise plans and keep in eyes sight always For those of you now inspired and thinking, I wish I would have known this on Dec. 31st. Well, there’s good news. It’s not too late to start now! So what, it’s better than giving up completely and never achieving a thing. There is always time if you use the time wisely! Now get out that piece of paper, write down the one or two goals and get into action! Good luck, I’ll be cheering for you! Author: Sandy Pheil, Professional Life Coach in Transforming Your Ordinary. You can learn more about Sandy and life coaching at www.alchemycoach.com or email her at sandy@alchemycoach.com