The Stigma of New Year’s Resolutions
At the start of a New Year many people become obsessed with creating change, and for most of us, it comes in the form of New Year’s Resolution.
While change is wonderful, and powerful, the problem with the concept of New Year’s Resolutions is that they often don’t last past the first few weeks.
Sure we all set out of the starting gate with the best intentions, but very soon we falter; we may wake up a little later, or skip a day at the gym. I mean, after all, just skipping one day at the gym, or getting up a little later one morning, is fine right? Sure it is. But the problems begin when one day turns into two, then a week, and then suddenly the momentum starts swinging back down and we fall back in to easier, and old, habits.
They say that it takes 21 days to form a new habit… 30 for good measure. It seems that we are very easy to create new… bad habits as these tend to be things that are easy for us, the path well trodden.
When I was eight years old, I tried my first cigarette. A year later, I was purchasing my own packets and smoking them on my own; no longer “experimenting”, but going hard-core. Over the years I’d quit, then start again, but never having that full gumption to quit and be done with it. Once the will power over took my desire for a cigarette, I was able to put them to rest and not feel tempted to once again put one in my mouth and draw light to it.
My brother was in his 40s when he tried his hand at smoking. At first it became a ‘social’ thing; telling me that he never buys his own packets and “bums” off others around him. Very soon though, he found himself purchasing his packets so that he did not always smoke everyone else’s. And very soon, he found his own particular brand that he liked. Today, he is a smoker and has a hard time of quitting.
For me, I feel that the New Year Resolution is nothing more than a stigma that we have been trained to get caught up in over the years. We forget that each and every moment is an opportunity to create positive change in our lives. Why wait a full year until January 1st to try something new, create something new? Why not do it right now, right this moment?
It takes 21-days to form a new habit, but it takes a split instant to make the decision to form it.
What is it that you desire to change in your life this year? Maybe it has been something you struggled to create for years, but have not. Whatever it is, do yourself a favour and follow these simple steps to help you create the change you desire in your life today; change that will last the 21-days, and indeed a full life-time.
Step One: Formulate what it is that you desire. Be specific. For example, saying “I want to lose weight” is too broad-based a statement. Losing a couple of pounds is losing weight, but is that your desired end goal? Be specific on how much weight you want to lose; 10, 20, 30 pounds, etc.
Step Two: Understand that this is NOT a quick-fix “diet”. It is a complete lifestyle change. If what you desire is to stop smoking, throw away all ashtrays in your home, any lighters and matches, of course the cigarettes. Open the windows and let fresh air in. Decide to deep clean your carpets, upholstery, etc. When you spend money and effort on cleaning up, you’ll be less likely to want to throw that money out the window.
Step Three: Set reminder affirmations around you. For instance if you are looking at losing weight, write on pieces of paper: “I am slim, trim, healthy, happy, and fabulous”, then place these pieces of paper on your bathroom mirror (or write this on your mirror in grease pen), and on your fridge, on doors in your home; anywhere where you will see them constantly. And make sure you LOOK and READ them.
Step Four: Create a support team by creating accountability. Tell others, who are supportive, of what it is you are doing. This will help keep you on track.
Step Five: Begin to associate with people who are living the lifestyle you desire. If you want to bit more fit and active, join a local social group of people who do these specific activities. If you desire more money, begin associating with people who have money.
Step Six: Do at least one thing every day that will set what it is you want to attain in motion.
Step Seven: DON’T give up! If you miss a day, don’t feel you have failed. There is NO such thing as failure, only experience in learning how to do something better. Just get back on track tomorrow, and allow freedom to live.
Step Eight: BELIEVE and KNOW that you are now the person you desire to be; that you are living the lifestyle that you have dreamed of.
Remember, we are the creators of our own lives. Each choice we make will lead us in a direction that is shaping a part of our futures. We are planting seeds constantly, whether the seeds are planted directly by us, or we have allowed others words and actions to direct us to plant seeds. Seeds can be positive or negative… It is up to us to choose whether we will plant the seeds or let them catch hold of the wind and be blown elsewhere.
As creators of our lives, we can create change at every moment and in every opportunity. Embrace the moment to decide to create change right now. Once you have that decision within you, take hold and begin walking.
If you feel you don’t know anyone suitable to create a support team with, please feel free to contact me. I am here to help you.
Until next time,
Celebrating your magnificence.
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Leave a Reply