Despite what they say about not making resolutions, many people still make New Year’s resolutions, in part because the thought is, “It’s a new year and I want something different this year.” For many others, it simply has become a habit to use the New Year to jump start their motivation. There is nothing wrong with that, the new year inspires change in many people; however, all too soon, the motivation wanes and the resolution is forgotten.

WHAT YOU CAN DO DIFFERENTLY THIS YEAR

Before committing to your New Year’s resolution, take a few minutes to reflect on the resolution by answering these questions:

1. Is it a resolution you have been making for the last five years?
2. Is it a new resolution?
3. Why is it IMPORTANT for you to make this change in your life?
4. Do you have a REALISTIC plan to accomplish this goal?

WE ALL WANT TO BE OUR BEST SELVES

There is nothing wrong in wanting to be your best self; however, change requires consistent commitment. It requires a willingness to take baby steps and sometimes stay committed when there is no obvious evidence of change.  Thus, the plan is to stay consistently committed to taking the healthy steps within each moment [mindfulness].

1. Before making a plan, visualize what will be different this year
2. Experience the sensations of achieving your goal
3. What emotions or thoughts crop up that may be preventing you from success
4. Recognize what trips you up [usually there is a pattern]
5. Know your needs and learn to meet them in healthier ways
6. Have the support of an accountability buddy, someone who won’t let you slide

LEARN TO HANDLE YOUR EMOTIONS MINDFULLY

One of the things that trips many people up is their emotions. Remember, emotions are transient surges of intense stimulus that often fades with time. When you master the art of mindfulness, you can be comfortable sitting with your emotions and seeing that they are just that. There may be times when you need to act to protect yourself; however, learn to differentiate when there is a need to act, from when there is NO NEED TO ACT. When in doubt, practice my B.R.E.A.T.H.E. acronym, it gives you time and space enough to see that your emotions do not require you to take immediate action. Thus, you can step back and choose healthy actions that are in alignment with your plan and purpose.

YOUR BELIEFS AND THOUGHTS CAN ALSO TRIP YOU UP

If you have been making the same resolution year after year without success, then it is time to examine your story. The story that many people are telling themselves is actually what is preventing them from successfully achieving their goals. Some beliefs and thoughts are buried so deep, you may have to dig very deep to discover their presence. One of the most toxic thought or limiting belief is the idea that, “I am not enough, I am not good enough,” or phrased another way, “I am not worthy.” Pruning this thought or belief out of the psyche takes work, but it must be uprooted before you can make sustainable positive change.

WHY DOES ANY OF THIS MATTER?

Your TOTAL HEALTH is compromised by your negative story. The limiting beliefs, destructive emotions, toxic thoughts, and unhealthy habits will keep cropping up over and over again in your life until you rewrite the story. If you desire to get totally healthy this year, begin by examining your story. Then figure out which MAP and GPS you are using daily. The remember, patience and progress.