Now that the New Year is officially upon us, it’s time for the inevitable New Year’s Resolutions.
Consider this: New Me Resolutions (suitable for achievement all year round)
I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that 2010 was not playing any games. It was here today and gone tomorrow. How many of your New Year’s Resolutions did you keep last year? And how many months went by as you promised yourself you would get back on the ball when “the time is right” or “situations are different.” Never mind, don’t tell me. I’ll keep mine a secret too.
**Breaking News** It’s time to make a change people! Let’s take the steps to make LASTING change in our lives!
Everyone has goals they want to accomplish, from the biggest lifetime achievement goals, to 5 and 10-year goals, or simply making tomorrow a better day. The important key in accomplishing these goals is to take the necessary steps in a way that is enjoyable to you, giving you the drive to KEEP taking them.
Consider starting a personal or even group challenge. Turning your goals into a challenge creates a fun experience out of normally undesirable life chores. Attach a time period to your challenge and mark off the days on the calendar so you can watch your progress. The best part is, you are the administrator of everything. If you fall off just get back up, forgive yourself, and recommit to your challenge. The most important part is to stay committed however you can. Don’t allow a bump in the road to become a brick wall, simply roll over it and KEEP MOVING FORWARD.
I started an end of the year challenge in 2010. On November 8th I began my 90-Day Devotion Challenge. I was inspired by the Butterfly Book Club’s first pick, “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. That book, along with the book club experience, has truly made a huge impact on my life. I decided it was time to increase my intensity with my commitment to my devotion after reading the following excerpt, “The search for God is a reversal of the normal, mundane worldly order. In the search for God, you revert from what attracts you and swim toward that which is difficult. You abandon your comforting and familiar habits with the hope (the mere hope!) that something greater will be offered you in return for what you’ve given up.”
More than anything my goal is to be intuitively guided in everything I do so that I can ensure the best life possible for myself. With that, I realized it was time to step my game up from meditating “most days” or “a lot of times” to every single day. I need to be sure to set aside time every single day to connect to my own personal infinite supply of peace, wisdom, and love. I have also committed to release and forgiveness writing every night. I feel it’s important to constantly release the negative thoughts, feelings, and energies that come up and float around during the day.
And let me tell you, along with the positive effects of daily meditative and release/healing work, it feels AMAZING to know I am keeping this commitment to myself. Even if I screw something else up, every single day I have my commitment to be proud of. It’s a great accomplishment all by itself! It’s definitely a confidence builder, not to mention the wonders it’s doing for my habitual patterns. As I enjoy the benefits of sticking to my challenge, I’m creating new habits in my daily life that serve me wonderfully. This is definitely a win/win situation and I encourage any and everyone to try it!
In addition to Elizabeth Gilbert’s excerpt, I incorporated Lisa Nichol’s advice to create the length of my challenge. Her philosophy is to give laser focus to one area of your life for 90 days at a time in order to create significant change. After spending 90 days on the desired area, the habits formed become automatic, allowing you to then be able to focus on another area. She gives suggestions like working on your spiritual life, relationships, health, and career/finances one at a time. I chose to start mastering the mental/emotional/spiritual aspects of myself with my 90-Day Devotion Challenge because I believe they create the foundation for abundant living in all other areas. That qualifies my challenge as a definite New Me Resolution.
Do you see the impact this challenge is having on me already? The benefits I’m reaping, the change it’s making in my life, and the fact that I’m DOING it is so powerful that it keeps me motivated to succeed. The beauty in it all is that I am the dictator of my own reality. I am taking the liberty to personalize what resonates with me and leaving the rest. This is how I’m finding my own truth and exactly what is best for me. The only truth is your own; find it.
So in this new year of 2011, make achieving your goals fun to ensure that you will stick to them. Write out your New You Resolutions and as you map out your challenge, keep in mind the importance of everyday. Ask yourself, what can you do today that will get you closer to your goals? This concept is best summed up by Elizabeth Gilbert after successfully challenging herself, “I was doing something I’d never done before. A small thing, granted, but how often do I get to say that? And what will I be able to do tomorrow that I cannot yet do today?”
Be sure to take the time and energy to invest in yourself this year. Trust me when I tell you, you’ll feel great when you challenge yourself, and even better when you stick to your commitment. Why delay your gratification? Feel better about yourself RIGHT NOW. No more excuses, start tackling those goals and creating better habits today. I’m right there with you. Let’s do it together!
“Transformation doesn’t happen unless you’re willing: It’s your choice.” – Oprah
Just in case you need help solidifying your goals or deciding which one to focus on first, watch this video for some great tips…
Share your thoughts in the comments: What ways do you make goal setting fun? What are your goals for this year?
Peace, Love & Challenge,
~Alexis~
