We are officially 1 week into the new year - and most people who made resolutions this time last week have, statistically speaking, given up on them and reverted back to their old ways. So whether the resolution was to lose weight, or eat better, perhaps join (or return) to the gym - the fact is we as people fail at the resolutions we make.
Why is that? Well, for one, it takes intention to create a change. Simply declaring that you are going to start eating healthier does not change the food you put into your body. Clearing out the junk food from the pantry and refrigerator replacing it with healthier options is a required first step on that journey.
Losing weight is the same thing. Although on a very basic level, losing weight is easy - eat less than what your body burns in calories everyday - the fact is it is not easy. I for one love sweets. When I’m engaged in a weight loss period I am intentional about the food that is brought into the house. My whole family becomes defacto participants in my goals simply from the standpoint that I’m the one who typically does most of the grocery shopping for the house and as such I choose not to allow items that might tempt me to come into the home.
And don’t get me started on that gym. I often joke with close friends that I have a gym membership, and I on an average day drive by that gym at least twice. Driving by is great, stopping in and getting a workout however takes discipline. I don’t enjoy the gym, but I also know the consequence of not getting several workouts in during the week.
As we embark on the first full week of 2019 I want to challenge you by asking this question: What changes would you like to see accomplished in your life during the next 12 months?
I know we all gravitate to the high level simple choices, weight loss, eating better and exercise. But beyond those, my encouragement to you this week is to really spend sometime reflecting on the changes you want to make in your life.
If you had a blank piece of paper in front of you and could draw out your life that you want for yourself, what would be there that isn’t currently part of your daily routine?
Once you have identified those item(s), what steps are needed to start the process to get you there. Ask yourself, are you willing to spend another year where you are at not moving yourself forward towards goals, dreams and desires that you have for your life. If the answer is “NO” to that last question, make today the first day of your new “you” and make a resolution to change.
Life is hard, there is no argument there. Change is harder. It is so easy to become complacent as our lives that start out as a rut quickly turn into a grave. Sadly, NONE of use are getting any younger, and even as you read this (and I write this) we all are closer to our final act than we were the day before.
For me, knowing the clock is ticking makes me want more. Knowing I am on a countdown clock that is not having time added to it inspires me to seek to do the things I want to accomplish in life.
In the last few years I’ve added some pretty aggressive resolutions to my list. One of those resolutions was made at the beginning of 2017. It is a 3-year plan to take one of my businesses and prepare it to be sold. It was deliberate, it was intentional, but most importantly it was bigger than what I by myself could accomplish. So along with my partner in that business, we created a plan. To this day, a white board hangs in our office that counts down the months.
As of last month, (which is month 24 of 36) we have engaged with a company that is interested in acquiring the business. What is unknown at this point is where that conversation will lead - however what I can tell you 100% as fact is simply this - that conversation would never have occurred if a plan (resolution) wasn’t put into place at the beginning of 2017.
So this week I challenge you to start looking at making resolutions that will have a meaningful impact on your life. Working with a Life Coach is a great way to see those goals accomplished. Having someone who not only works with you, but can hold you accountable sets up the opportunity for success.
And at the end of the day, isn’t being successful something we all aspire to?
So go ahead, let’s ring in the New Year right by making resolutions that will make the life you are living the best possible life there is.
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