Self Improvements For The New Year
Here we are again, starting a new year with a clean slate. I love this time of year because it has all the hope of a new beginning and the opportunity to recreate ourselves one more time. I find this a very optimistic time and enjoy setting an intention each new year. The concept of creating our resolutions thrills me as I am relentless about self improvement and welcome every opportunity to map out a beautiful future.
And as the time honored tradition goes, we all make our resolutions. Whether we do this just in our heads, or on paper, we start the year with fervent hopes for what we want and what we want to become. Maybe it's a creative impulse that you want to manifest--learn a new instrument, take a dance class, create something out of clay. Maybe it's a health concern--stop smoking, eat right, exercise daily. Maybe it's a financial goal--create more wealth, get our estate in order, give more to charity. Whatever our desires, we have the little acorns ready to be planted right now.
It took me many years to 'get it'. I would make my annual resolution to lose weight but somehow, it didn't ever end up happening (notice my "passive" involvement, as opposed to an active relation to change). Why? Well, the passive involvement is one thing. The physical addiction to sugar (which I'm told is more difficult to detox from than heroin) was keeping me heavy. And then there are the mental blockages. Ultimately, wanting is not the same as doing.
As I've written in previous articles, something finally clicked. I'm well on my way to achieving the health goals I've longed for as well as figuring out the keys to self improvement on all levels.
How can we turn our 'hopes' for the future into results? My first suggestion is to turn inward. Self-reflection is absolutely necessary to achieve results in this way. Ideally, take time and write out what you want for 2008-what are your dreams, your goals, your hopes. As you write, realize all of these are as close as you'll allow them to be. Frame your wants, needs, hopes, dreams, goals in an affirmative present tense (as in, 'I am achieving my health goals' . .. and then add in some detail 'by exercising five times a week, by eliminating simple carbohydrates. . .etc.'). All things are possible.
The next suggestion I have for achieving your resolutions is to figure out what is draining your energy. Do you have friends or family or an office environment that is depleting you? Maybe your spouse smokes and doesn't want to quit, but you do. This is something that needs to be addressed because quitting smoking is not easy if you're sitting next to another smoker. Create some rules, boundaries, and ask for the help you need from those around you.
Next, try connecting emotion to what you're attempting to achieve. In doing this, you add depth and strengthen your resolve. Focus on what you will have and the happy feelings you will experience. Anchor your commitment and movement towards this to the happy feelings. This makes success infinitely more possible.
And last, but not least, visualize. This maybe should have been the first on the list, but I am always saving my favorite until last. Visualization is the core of intention and self actualization. Visualize your bank account and investments increasing. Visualize your grateful lungs after three months without a cigarette. And as always, be grateful for what you already have and for what will be yours.
Happy New Year.