The end of the year is often filled with tradition and optimism. Yet, at the same time there are the dreaded New Year’s resolutions. Those nagging goals that you know you should set and know you won’t keep.
So quit this tradition!
I have had my own tradition for several years now, that I encourage all of my clients to follow and to create their own tradition for the process.
My personal tradition takes place on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day – however it actually can be done at any time or at a specific benchmark, such as a birthday.
Here’s how it works: On this day, surround yourself and partake in all the things that you enjoy. It can be a long walk in the park, going to an uplifting movie, listening to your favorite music, eating your favorite foods – whether they go together or not… Who says it’s not ok to drink red wine, and eat sushi and Chunky Monkey ice cream!
Then find a comfy place to contemplate and reflect…
This is a time to reflect on your “year in review.” Take a look at health, career, family and friends, hobbies, spirituality, community involvement, fun and recreation, romance and intimacy.
I recommend looking at your work and personal calendars to remember all that you did this past year. Based on your activities and memories, write down all of the things you did that you are proud of having done or accomplished during the past year in each of these areas.
Nothing is too great or small to be recognized. This is your opportunity to pat yourself on the back! Honor and acknowledge who you are and all that you’ve done, and to “close out the year.”
Once you’ve done that, you get to create the future!
Again, look at the major components of your life to determine what you want to accomplish in the next year. I recommend starting with “intentions” for that category before creating goals. For example, you might say, “I intend to lead a healthy lifestyle and have a healthy, fit body.” The goal, within that intention could be to eat more fresh foods, fewer processed foods and to exercise 3 times per week.
The important part is that the intention is a positive way to re-affirm what you want for the future. And, how you accomplish that may vary even if you don’t rigidly stick to your goal. Intentions are a powerful and empowering way to create your future and you won’t have to beat yourself up for not going to the gym!
Cheers! May you enjoy all that you intend in 2015!
Marty Stanley is a national speaker, executive coach and consultant on personal and organizational change. Call or email Marty if you’re ready to make some changes in 2015and want some guidance and an accountability partner. 816-695-5453 martystanley@alteringoutcomes.com
