The end of the year is rapidly upon us and many of you may already be thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions. I used to be in the same mindset, but not any more; and here’s why.
I’ve watched so many people make resolutions year after year that just fall by the wayside. In fact, statistics indicate only 64 percent last longer than the first month, and only 46 percent last longer than six months. That just sets people up for disappointment. And, that’s exactly how I used to feel.
Like many, I used to start out the year with such good intentions. Lose weight. Get in shape. Get a new job. Clean out the closets, declutter and reorganize (really, why would anyone want to do that).
And then, those resolutions just faded away. And, when that happened, I felt terrible. Stressed out. Disappointed. And, I’ll bet when it happened to you, you felt the same way. So, it got me thinking. Since I’m all about having the right mindset to live life by design, why not ditch the tired and clichéd New Year resolution promises that just don’t stick and make a decision — a commitment — to myself. As the renowned success mentor Darren Hardy says, “Commitment is doing the thing you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.”
So, here are 4 tips to help you make decisions and commitments to yourself to start the new year off right and to help you design and achieve all you desire in 2020.
1. Focus on your intention rather than the outcome/results
The result, or outcome you want is your goal. You could even say it was your resolution in the past. But, staying focused on the end-result, the goal, can often be overwhelming. The reality is that it takes time to accomplish your goals, especially if they are what I call “stretch” goals. But, if you’re like most people, you’ll quickly grow impatient. Your ego will kick in and try to tell you you’re not making any progress or worse, that you should give up because you’re never going to get there. Then all of a sudden you’re just another one of that 64 percent.
Instead, I challenge you to go ahead and set your goals — your results — but also think about how you intend to achieve them. Break your goals down into manageable “bites” and each one will be an intentional step you take on your way to your goal. Focus on these intentional steps and you’ll get results you intended. And, don’t forget to celebrate along the way! Focusing on what you have accomplished will kick your old ego right to the curb where he or she belongs.
2. Create life-long habits
Weight loss is a great example. Millions of Americans are reported to be on a diet, spending billions of dollars on diet plans and supplements that promise to help you lose weight and keep it off. Yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 93 million adults in the United Sates and about 13.7 million children and adolescents are obese. Medical professionals are now encouraging lifestyle changes that consist of adopting healthy overall habits that promote long-term weight control and health as opposed to diets that temporarily change eating habits to promote a certain outcome such as weight loss.
So, those commitments you’re making to yourself at the beginning of the year (whatever they are)? Turn them into new habits. Make them lifestyle changes. And, set them with good intentions. It won’t be easy, and it takes time. Creating a new habit typically takes 90 days and changing one takes even longer. But, I can assure you, it will be worth it.
3. Choose one word that sums up how you want to feel
Having a central word or theme to guide your actions or describe what you want to embrace more of in the coming year can help you stay focused on your intentions and goals. Your word becomes your guiding principle and helps you stay on track. Start by reflecting on what you’d like more of and less of in your life. Then consider how you feel at the end of your day (work day and weekends may be different and that’s okay) and how you would like to feel. Visualize what a perfect day might look like. Then, think about words that sum it up; words that could become your guiding principle. Maybe the word is thoughtful, peaceful, helpful, intentional, abundant, balanced or forgiving. Maybe the word is love, peace, bliss, brave or patient. Pick your word; one you’ll carry throughout the year and apply to all that you do.
4. Journal, reflect and celebrate
I’m a firm believer in journaling and I like to do that as part of a morning mindset routine. It helps me stay focused on my dreams and goals, gives me an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the progress I’ve made and also reminds me to take the time to write down all the things I have to be grateful for in my life. Your journal will not only help you stay focused on all you intend to accomplish in 2020, journaling will also show you the progress you’re making. So, when that old ego starts telling you it’s taking too long or it’s time to give up, you have the proof to say otherwise.
I hope these tips help you chase — and catch — your dreams in 2020. You owe it to yourself to give it a fresh start. I believe you can do it.
And, if you’re looking for more mindset ideas, grab your copy of my FREE template that reveals the #1 secret to living each day by design without feeling overwhelmed. Just fill out the form below! Enjoy your journey!
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