NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

Okay, so you had a long list on January 1 of all the things you wanted to change or do this year.  And now two months into the New Year, how are you doing with that list?  You meant well and you really want things to be different, so what happened?

 Here are some problems with making that kind of list: it’s too general and broad, it has no system of accountability and in some cases, and we may have goals and ideals that are not even attainable.  Or could it be that the list is fine, but it’s so long that when we look at it we feel overwhelmed.

 So, first, let’s talk about a doable list, and using that list to create a plan.  In working with clients, I request a list of ten things they want in their life, and a short list of three to five things that want to accomplish in the first 90 days of coaching, then together, we make a plan.  Here is one formula for a good plan:

            S – Simple

            A – Attainable/accountability system

            M – Measurable

            I   - Immediate

            C - Consistent with goals, values, dreams

This helps us to narrow the focus.  If we have a plan to accomplish those things we want and an accountability partner, we are off to a good start.  If our plan is measurable, we can monitor our progress on a weekly basis and if we have someone who holds us accountable, we are no longer relying on self will.  We must start to take immediate action and our plan must be consistent with our values and goals.

 In working with clients, once their vision becomes clear to me, I hold that vision and help to keep them on track.  On the other hand, it's very important to remain flexible.  Flexibility allows us to listen to our intuition at the same time we are following through with our plan so that we can adjust it as necessary.  Sometimes, we may discover another area to explore. If we are too rigid, we may miss these often times subtle messages.

 Enjoy playing the game!  Who want to do it if it’s not fun?  And last but not least, don’t forget your self-care.  Unfortunately for many, self-care is the first thing to go, especially when we have too much to do.  But remember the announcement by the flight attendant at the beginning of every commercial flight, “if the oxygen masks drop down, place the mask over your own face first, and then tend to your child.  That simple message also applies to our daily lives.  If we don’t take care of ourselves first, we cannot possibly be there for all those things in life that are important to us. 

 If you continue to set goals, make plans and continue to dream, pay attention and listen to your heart and/or your intuition, you just might connect with the big one.  When you do, embrace it with all your heart and soul and got for it.  A “must see” movie about this kind of determination and blind faith is “The World’s Fastest Indian” with Anthony Hopkins. It’s a wonderful demonstration of having a dream and never letting it go, of working endlessly and against all odds to finally realize that dream and then go way beyond!  That possibility exists for each of us.  We just have to connect with ourselves long enough and on a deep enough level to realize what our dream is. 

                                                                         HAPPY DREAMING!

                                                                         Donnie Day