You’ll need this to stand a chance of keeping your New Year resolutions
The turn of the year is when many people decide to make some changes in their lives. But most folks overlook one important element that will make or break your decision(s) to change.
The 'New Year Resolutions' have become something of a cliche with many people (including me) having become a little cynical when folks give off a list of things that they're going to change.
I wrote about making changes here: http://www.craig-west.co.uk/2011/09/you-have-to-make-change-happen-not-just-hope-for-it/ but there is one important thing that most folks overlook when making changes in their lives.
That one thing is 'PERSISTENCE'.
You see, without persistence (or tenacity) you'll start to flag when your commitment to your resolution is tested.
What do I mean? Well, let's work through an example:
Imagine that you've decided to get fitter in 2012 by going for a run several times a week (this is very common).
So, on January 2nd (when the hangover has subsided) you go out for a short run. A great start. Yesterday was a nice day, was a bit cold but it was nice and dry and somewhat sunny (at least here in Leicester).
But how about today (January 3rd 2012) when it's cold and windy and raining? Would you go out running today? I have to admit that the idea doesn't appeal to me.
But what are you going to do if the weather outside is bad for the next two weeks? Will you invest in some waterproof running gear and go out anyway? Or will you wait until it clears up and then consider it?
Also, imagine that you normally go for a run in the evening after work. But one day, on your scheduled running day, you come home exhausted from a stressful day in the office. The last thing you feel like doing is putting on the trainers and going for a run.
What will you do, go out anyway or just veg in front of the telly?
You can probably understand that the above scenario is very common. We make resolutions with the best will in the world and then question (or even ignore) that resolution when things aren't so favourable.
So, what can you do about it to improve your chances of success?
Well, in my view, the best thing you can do is to make the effort anyway.
And the reason for this is because if you get into the habit of persisting with your commitment to change, even if it's only a small change, the psychological and emotional benefits are huge. This is when you prove to yourself that you can do it.
The key is to make regular decisions to stick with it, to the point that this new way of thinking becomes the norm. And if you do this often enough then change becomes that much easier in the long term.
So, hang in there, stick with it and ultimately you will make your New Year resolutions so much easier to achieve.
You have to make change happen, not just hope for it
Most of us have things in our lives that we'd like to change. But without a commitment to make change happen and then determined effort to make it happen, you're going nowhere and nothing will improve.
So here's a few thoughts on how you might be able to make some changes in your life without having to revolutionise the way you think.
I'm sure you're familiar with the folks who sit at work whining about much they hate their jobs but not doing anything to find a new role. Or how about the people who say they need to lose weight or get fit but continue to do the things that that put them so out of shape in the first place?
We all know people like this, perhaps you're (sometimes) one of them. I know I've been there. They sit there whinging and hoping things will just change.
The reason these people are like this is because they have developed the habit of not doing anything but whinging. Things are obviously not not so bad to make them want to change.
What they are missing is a reason (or reasons) to change, commitment to doing it and then the required action to make it so.
You see, the thing you absolutely must have is a reason for making change. You need to know why you're making the change and you need to make it clear in your mind. Without this, you'll have no commitment and you'll not take the necessary action.
Now picture this:
You go to the doctor with an ache that you've not had before. After examination he tells you that unless you start eating healthy and get fit you''re going to die young and that the ache is going to turn into lasting pain.
That's a fairly stark situation but what would you do? Would you beg the doctor to just give you drugs for the pain or would you decide that getting fit and healthy is the best way forward?
Is the promise of an early painful death a good enough reason to make some changes? What would it take for you to make change happen?
Most people would choose what they believed was the easiest option. Many would choose the drugs rather than the effort.
I know this is an extreme example but the choice is yours. But the real point is: you actually have that choice.
You make small decisions many times each day that are made based on the habits you've developed.
Things like: chocolate or fruit, walk or drive, whinge or work, Eastenders or exercise, spend or save, packed lunch or Greggs, Pepsi or fruit juice, I could go on.
The point I'm trying to make here is that you don't have to make massive changes in the decisions you make to start making a massive difference in your life.
You've probably heard that 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. But what if it's actually true? I know that eating an apple a day is a small part of a bigger picture but isn't it a good habit to develop anyway?
So here's an idea for you to contemplate:
Instead of aiming to make massive changes, aim for a series of smaller (and more achievable) changes.
If you want to get fitter then start by walking more. Instead of sitting at your desk at lunch, go out and get some fresh air. In half and hour you can walk anywhere between one and two miles. It's a small thing but it'll up your activity levels and make you feel so much better.
If you want a better job then start by updating your CV, register on the job websites and get them to email you the types of jobs you're interested in. Again, a small step that will make a big difference.
If you want to improve your finances then start simple. Have coffee at McDonalds rather than CostaBucks, it's just as good but cheaper. Instead of going to Greggs, make your own lunch (it only takes a couple of minutes a day). Perhaps consider starting your own small business in your spare time, there's no shortage of opportunities. Yes it involves effort and some learning but what will happen if you do nothing?
If you want to eat healthier begin with an apple a day. It cheap and easy but starts to adjust your habits.
Whatever you need to change there are always options, do some research on the internet and make some small but cumulatively significant changes.
But first of all, start with a reason for making the change. Make it clear in your mind so you know where you're going. Then learn what it is you need to do and commit to taking the appropriate action.
And then just do it - for as long as it takes.
After all, whining and wishing won't get you anywhere.
YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION!
