A very Happy New Year to you all! And with a new year, a chance to put all those changes into action that you’ve resolved to make this year – well, at least that’s the plan right now…
They say that 92% of people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions by the end of this month, so if you’d like to be one of the 8% that sticks to whatever it is you have resolved to change, here are 5 tips…
1.- THINK ABOUT WHAT IT IS YOU REALLY WANT TO CHANGE
Even if you’ve already made a list – I urge you to find somewhere quiet to sit with these things you’ve resolved to change and make an energetic connection to them. Listen to your feelings. Are you doing this because you really want to? How does the thought of this change make you feel?
If the answer is “no way!” or gives you a feeling of overwhelming anxiety and dread – perhaps you are not ready to make it right now. Perhaps this change just isn’t right to you. And that’s just fine. Focus on what your heart tells you is right and the rest will follow.
If the feeling you get is one of nervous anticipation – that’s OK too – it’s simply a reaction of excitement and there’s always that element of fear in us when we decide to make a change. Stay positive and focused. You CAN do it!
2.- BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL DOABLE STEPS
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Trust in your decision and break down whatever it is you have resolved to do into small achievable steps. Stretch out your resolution to cover the whole year with targets to be achieved every 3 months. If you have a long list of resolutions – break this down and discard – focus only on the doable and what makes your soul sing. You CAN do it!
3.- BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Whenever you’ve made a decision to change something in your life, whether it’s a lifestyle habit or an emotional refocus, there will be times when you’ll feel you’re in mission impossible mode – that things aren’t moving or changing fast enough. Remember, this is something you really want to do and be kind to yourself in the troughs, take some time out to reconnect to the passion that has driven this decision. This is a time of taking a huge leap of faith in yourself – You CAN do it!
4.- FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER
However much you may have faith in yourself, when you feel yourself wavering – it’s a good idea to get an accountability partner on board to help you through those tough days. Making any change requires a lot of shedding of old skin that no longer fits and this can be uncomfortable and even painful. It is at this stage that you need a cheerleader in your life. Find a friend or family member who is good at listening to you and who will give you the right kind of support to keep going when you’re floundering. You CAN do it!
5.- CELEBRATE
Don’t forget to celebrate – each and every single time you’ve done something, however small, towards achieving your intended goal. Celebrate yourself every single day. You are powerful, you are magnificent. You CAN do it and you ARE doing it! Bravo you!
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi
Don´t be afraid to make that change and here’s to a brand new year of transformative opportunities and possibilities for you – it’s time to go forth without fear and explore and enjoy your life. You CAN do it!
Fiona Clark – Midlife Empowerment Coach
If you’re thinking of making some changes in your life but haven’t got the right support or mindset, why not join me on my 6 week transformational workshop “Fearful to FAB” starting on the 29th January – click here to find out more.