In my mind, resolutions are a waste of time and energy. Why? Because they are too big, too bold, too unrealistic. Here are the TOP 5 according to Newsweek: have more fun; relax and reduce stress; spend more time with family; eat better; exercise more. As you can see, they usually imply some huge, drastic change and/or are not very specific. (i.e. going to lose thirty pounds and exercise as often as possible) Unfortunately, statistics point out that the chance of someone sticking to a major change is particularly slim. However, do not despair.
When we chunk things down into something doable -- something realistic, something short term, we have a much higher probability of doing it. And, there's even a chance of continuing to do it as long as we don't put pressure on ourselves.
Instead of resolutions, try something for one week -- literally! The ideal is that once you have survived a week doing any of these, another week may seem tolerable, and eventually, it may become a new habit.
Examples: If you normally don't do certain things routinely, here are some suggestions to try FOR ONE WEEK ONLY:
- Make your bed every day.
- Floss once each evening.
- Leave no dishes or glasses in the sink.
- Clean up one pile somewhere or organize a messy drawer (and throw out unnecessary items).
- Donate (or set aside) one piece of clothing that you no longer wear.
- Call or send a note to one person you haven't contacted in a while.
- Drink only water.
- Complete things before their deadline.
- Go to the gym one more time than usual (or one less time).
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Don't watch TV.
- Clean out your car (and keep it that way for the week).
- Wind down at least one hour before going to sleep.
- Read something every day (other than e-mail).
- Raise the price of something you offer.
- Don't wait to the last minute to do laundry (fill the gas tank).
- Only go one time in a week to the ATM machine.
- Don't skip any meals.
- Instead of tons of post-its and scraps, write everything in one notebook or on one piece of paper.
- Answer (or don't answer) your phone when it rings (opposite of your usual).
- Return voice messages within a few hours.
- Respond to e-mails within a few hours so they don't pile up.
- Open surface mail each day and toss or handle (or put in bill folder) when it comes in.
- Leave your keys in the exact same spot each day.
- Lay out your clothes for the following day.
- Organize your wallet, your pocketbook, or save loose change in one location.
- Get an extra supply of paper towels, or tissues, or toilet paper.
- Empty the garbage before the bag is full.
- Speak about your feelings when they arise (even if it's to say you need time to respond).
- Fix something that is broken.
- Straighten one room so that a surprise guest would not be a problem.
- Clean something that has been postponed.
- Arrive on time.
- Ask for what you want instead of complaining about what you don't have.
- Let someone know about something that is not okay to do/say.
- Tell the truth -- no matter what.
Perhaps you will choose one (or more) items from this list or think of one on your own. JUST for one week, choose one commitment and see what happens. If it works better than you expected, you might want to choose an additional week to continue your progress. If it was awful and/or too difficult, you may want to modify it and/or choose something else. The hope is that by trying something small for a very short period of time, it may help you make a permanent change or at the least, a long-term modification.
Very best regards,
marion@lifecoachinggroup.com
(c) 2004-12. All rights reserved. Marion Franklin, www.lifecoachinggroup.com
Comments? Feedback? lllfeedback@lifecoachinggroup.com
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