Simple Abundance
It never ceases to amaze me that the world gives me exactly what I need, exactly when I need it. Below is an excerpt from my morning “Quiet Time”…
From Sarah Ban Breathnach’s book Simple Abundance
“Maybe you have set aside time to begin the journey of your authentic self.
Then again, maybe you haven’t…
If you wonder why I suspect this, it’s because I’ve been where you are now. I know. I know how days, weeks, months, even years can escape your grasp. I know what it’s like to put everyone else’s needs before your own so that you can’t
find a half-hour a day for yourself. I know how easy it is to find heartfelt excuses for why you can’t begin something new even if you yearn to, desperately. I know how easily the word “tomorrow” slips out unconsciously. Tomorrow you will begin. Tomorrow. All this I know.
But what I know most of all is that learning about a journey is not the same thing as taking one.
Now that I’ve got your attention let me tell you about the rest of the year. Each day from now on we’re going to use the daily grist of our real lives as a cause for celebration. That’s right, celebration. I have learned many lessons on my path. Chief among them is that the details of our days do make a difference in our lives, that no experience is ever just for drill, and that everything can be a springboard for inspiration if we are willing to be open to the goodness of life.”
Say ‘No’ to Resolutions
I don’t know about you, but I am certainly open to the goodness of life. So, I am going to invite you NOT to make New Year’s resolutions this year. I will tell you why in a minute, but first some statistics:
- Approximately 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions
- Only 8% of people actually keep their resolutions
- 80% of resolutions fail by February
- 47% of people resolve to improve themselves in some way
- 38% are weight-related resolutions
- 34% are money related
Why Do Resolutions Fail?
Here is why most resolutions fail:
1. You are not passionate enough about what you resolve to do.
2. You are not specific enough about your goal(s).
3. You don’t have a plan.
4. You don’t have a budget for it.
5. No one, especially you, is holding you accountable.
Do This Instead
Here is what I suggest you do instead of going through the motions of making resolutions that you likely won’t keep:
1. Pick one area of your life that you would like to improve.
2. Write down exactly what you want to achieve. For instance, if you want to trim down, instead of your goal being to lose 20 pounds, have your goal be to lose one pound a week for the next four weeks and to go on a 30-minute walk each day.
3. Create a morning and evening routine for yourself. During this time use your journal to record what you are grateful for and write down one thing you are going to do that day toward losing one pound by the end of the week. In the evening acknowledge yourself for accomplishing that one thing.
4. Find an accountability buddy. Make sure this person is someone you can trust and who will hold your feet to the fire. Make an agreement to check in with them at least three times a week if not daily. They do not have to have the same goal as you; they simply need to help and encourage you to meet yours.
5. Keep a calendar where you can visually see what you have accomplished each day. Find some fun stickers or markers to use that give you mini kudos each day.
6. Chunk down what you want to accomplish in small daily activities that you know are achievable. This allows you to feel success each day.
7. Create a vision board that is a visual inspiration for what you desire to create in your life. Put this in a place where you will see it daily.
8. Celebrate your successes regardless of how small you might feel they are in the big picture.
9. Write a letter to yourself titled “A Year From Now.” Describe where you want to be in all domains of your life at the end of the year. Put the letter in an envelope and put it somewhere for safekeeping. Make a note in your calendar to remind yourself to open the letter on its one-year anniversary. See what happens.
10. Be disciplined but don’t be hard on yourself. Pay close attention to your self-talk. Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to someone you care for deeply.
I will remind you that an elephant is eaten one bite at a time. This is a metaphor for starting with something small and doing an inspired action each day that will help you to realize your desired outcome.
You are welcome to get in touch with me on Facebook if you have any questions.
All the best to you in the New Year!