Make your resolutions stick
The sugarplum fairies have stopped dancing in our heads, we’ve unwrapped our gifts, and our relatives have returned home. The splendor of the season has given way to the season of resolutions, that most opportune time when many minds ponder what pursuits to pursue in the coming months.
Whether you delight in resolution making or despise the mere thought of resolving, let me share three important secrets to make your commitments stick like glue.
1. Resolve to do only that which you’re committed to doing.
2. Have fun fulfilling your resolutions.
3. Let the “deepest why” be your fuel for action.
That’s it. Go to it!! . . . Wait, you want details?
Okay, here goes.
1. Resolve to do only that which you’re committed to doing. If you’re not really behind your resolution/goal, don’t even begin. Why? Because you will do only that which you truly have a commitment to doing. For instance, let’s say that you’ve decided to stop smoking (Bravo for you!). Doing this may be really hard for you and at times may seem like a pain in the butt. If you’re not really committed, at some point you’ll start smoking again. However, if you’re 100% committed, you’ll find a way through the difficulties, no matter how frustrating it gets. So, before you give your word, or announce your resolutions to the world, make sure you’re 100% committed to doing what it takes to succeed.
2. Have fun fulfilling your resolutions. Easy enough for things you’re excited to do, right? So what about those possible resolutions that aren’t tops on your “fun to do” list? If you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll draw to you more of what you enjoy. If you feel confident and see yourself as a success, more confidence, opportunities, and success will be drawn to you. The Law of Attraction says that like attracts like. In other words success at accomplishing your resolutions is drawn to you by your experiencing feelings of success and fulfillment first. When you enjoy the process of accomplishing your resolutions, you will draw more enjoyment to you and with this higher, more positive energy you’ll find it easier and easier to accomplish what you set before yourself.
3. Let the “deepest why” be your fuel for action. My experience as a coach is that
many people simply make resolutions (and most other goals) out of what they think they “should” do/have/be. Though the demand or fear of “should” can drive you toward your goal, it’s neither fun nor is it the most effective choice. With each resolution you’re considering, ask yourself, “Why do I want to do/have/be this?” and write the answer. Then, to that answer, ask yourself, “Why do I want to do/have/be this?” and write that answer. To your second answer, pose the question, “Why do I want to do/have/be this?” and write down this answer. Keep asking yourself “why” until you get to the deepest, most profound reason for making that choice. Write down this “deepest why,” post it somewhere prominent, share it with your coach or close friends, review it regularly. When this why becomes your fuel of choice, you’ll likely find that your commitment rockets to 100% and doing whatever it takes becomes some of the most fun you’ve ever had.
That’s my trio of resolution tips. I’d love to know what you think — whether you have questions or suggestions of your own. Also, if you’d like to post your New Year’s Resolutions on my blog, I’d be honored to have them. Simply click on the “comments” link below to add your voice to the conversation.
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Hey Shonnie, I just wanted to wish you a happy new year, thanks for the wonderful tips for my resolutions! All the best,
Amit x
Comment by Amit — January 2, 2007 @ 11:55 pm
Happy New Year to you as well Amit! You also shared some wonderful resolution tips on your blog. Check out Amit’s wisdom at Create and begin your New Year’s Resolutions now for other ideas to keep you on track toward your envisioned goals.
Comment by Shonnie — January 3, 2007 @ 9:08 am