Small Steps, Big Changes

Well, it's December 31st, time to take a look back and see what happened to all those New Year's resolutions we promised to achieve almost a year ago.

If you're like me, you can barely remember what your resolution was when you promised it in a rain of confetti and champagne, much less whether you kept it.

The statistics on New Year's resolutions is pretty miserable: Less than 20% of us actually achieve our New Year's resolutions. Why?

1. We choose too many resolutions. "I will get in shape, quit smoking, win lotto, find a new job, write the Great American Novel, etc.. etc.."

2. We keep choosing the same goal each year and it never seems to happen. Is the goal too big or is it a goal that is coming to us externally -- our spouse, friends, co-workers -- rather than a goal that's coming from within us?

3. We have absolutely no game plan on how we're going to make these resolutions come true. They sound like a great idea on January 1st, but on January 2nd, we have no clue on how we're going to make them happen.

So in the words of Tony Soprano: "Fuhgettabout 'em".

Instead, think small -- really small changes..... Changes you can do even now, on December 31st.

You had a big goal of "finally getting in shape."  Instead of feeling like a miserable failure because you not only didn't get into shape and win the New York Marathon --you gained 10 new pounds and a serious Ben and Jerry's habit, how about adding a couple minutes of stretches when you get up in the morning? I've done this in my own life: For the last couple of months, I've added two minutes of doing simple yoga stretches into my morning routine.  From taking that small step, I now drag out my yoga mat at night and do 20 minutes of yoga and I'm also now on speaking terms with the dust laden treadmill that has been sitting in the corner.  One small step -- but a big change for me.

So at midnight, when those around you are hoisting their overfilled champagne glasses and making huge New Year's resolution toasts, smile a smug smile, and think s--m--a--l-- l and watch next year, to what big places it takes you.

11:50:38 AM    comment []