It’s that time of the year again for goals and resolutions. We tell ourselves that THIS year I really will achieve it. Now it is mid January… have you done it? Is it a new habit?
Are your new goals or resolutions a wish or a decision?
Changing your habits can be hard. If you do want to keep a New Year resolution you need to discover what is blocking you and change that first. When did the habit or lack of behaviour start? Is it a family behaviour you grew up with?
There is often something deep inside your unconscious mind that needs to be changed, then magic can happen. Your new decision works and keeps working.
However you do need to put some supporting structures in place. I give smokers an audio recording to listen to daily for a month. It takes a month without any slips to change a habit permanently.
I set business goals… that is a resolution also. To help with this I got together with a group of 5 other solo businesswomen and we share our goals and check in with each other fortnightly. I find this a big help.
Goals and resolutions need to be SMART:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Time bound.
Specific may be not smoking, or drinking or eating less
Measurable if you are doing this activity as often as you planned… that is measurable. Not smoking at all is measurable.
Is it achievable? Sometimes your life is easier if you pick the time. Reducing food or drink may be best left after a festive time. I have had smokers come back after Australia Day looking sheepish because they “got pissed” and had a smoke.
Realistic – think about this one. Quitting smoking should be realistic but losing 10 kilos before a certain date might not be.
Time bound. Set yourself a date at least a month out and check in then so you can continue if all is going well.
The thing to remember is that wishing won’t make the change you want. Make a decision and set up some help or some support.
