Sunday, January 4, 2009

Go Ahead...It's Okay...Make a Resolution

One of the trends I've noticed over the past couple of years is that no one will admit to making New Year's Resolutions! It doesn't matter who I ask - clients, friends, family members - the answer is always the same: "I don't make resolutions." When I ask why, the typical answer goes something like this:

"I don't believe in them."
"They never last long anyway."
"No one I know is able to keep them."
"Everything is perfect in my life. I don't need any change."

And my response? "LIAR! LIAR!"

It is human nature to want something better, something different, something more. A change. It's normal to have hopes, dreams, and goals. And no matter how hard you may try, you cannot convince me that a new year doesn't bring up those feelings.

Well, let me assure you, it's okay. You can do it. I won't tell anyone. Make a resolution. Make 2. Make a whole list.

You see, the problem isn't with "resolutions". The problem is with the people who make them. When we don't make resolutions, we don't have to deal with our lack of consistency, our lack of integrity to keep our word to ourselves, and our lack of commitment to our goals. Get it? The reason you aren't making resolutions is because you've already decided that you won't keep them.

Well, I have a suggestion! Let's make a different decision. Let's decide to not only make resolutions. But to write them down.

Let's not just write them down, let's put a workable plan of action together.

Let's not just put a workable plan of action together, let's plan for challenges, obstacles, and setbacks.

Let's not just plan for challenges, obstacles, and setbacks, let's decide now what our response will be.

Here's a quick example:
  • You want to get out of credit card debt? (resolution)
  • Decide no eating out or non-essential purchases (workable plan) By the way --is cable, unlimited text, the NFL/NBA package and going to the nail salon every week essential???
  • Your best friend wants to shop sales and have lunch (challenge/obstacle/setback).
  • You say "Sounds like fun, but I'm determined to reduce my debt and as my best friend, I know you will understand. But hey, please stop by when you're done. I'd love to see what you got." (planned response).
See...piece of cake (smile).

You can apply this formula to any goal. Losing weight, finishing school, advancing in your career, getting your marriage on track, or getting rid of the difficult people in your life.

And just in case you need a little support and encouragement, check out some of my upcoming programs. It just might be the thing you need to make your resolutions a reality.

FitChick Nation - 28 Days to a New You!
This 4 - week transformational coaching program focuses on nutrition, fitness and motivation. Conducted through teleseminars, you will get practical, uncensored strategies to get your 2009 off to a powerful start. Designed especially for women, this program will get you fit -- mind, body and soul!

"Get Radical" Women's Conference
This dynamic and powerful one day women's conference provides real solutions to the challenges women are facing today – in their finances, career, relationships, and life balance. This day is designed to educate, inform, motivate, and inspire women to Get Radical!

RADICAL Management
How Managers and Leaders Can Build a Collaborative Workforce to Drive Productivity and Profits.

Learn key management and leadership attributes critical for success including:
*Why Managers Fail
*The Trust Factor
*Creating Standout Performers
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Where's the Balance?
Is your life out of control? Are you trying to manage your career, family and your own personal goals? Life Coach Doreen Rainey helps you examine why you are always in a state of rushed confusion. This thought provoking one hour session will give you the insight into finding balance and creating a plan of action to take charge of your time.

3 comments:

  1. Another good post! I actually and honestly believe that everyday you should find ways to stay true to your word and to progress towards your goal(s). I have found that New Year’s Resolutions only provide you with an excuse to hold off what should be done now while waiting for a particular period and time to arrive i.e. New Years. Instead of relying on something magical to happen on 1/1 of each year, find ways daily to stay true to your word.

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  2. How right you are...any day is a good day to decide to work toward your goals. It's the daily small steps that get you where you ultimately want to go.

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  3. I believe in resolutions--but I don't believe that a person has to wait until January 1st to make them! I think your New Year's Day is whenever you decide to make a change. For me this year-New Year's day is today!! I officially start my eating/workout plan for my transformation today--so for me-New Years came on January 5th. Happy New Year!! :)

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