In a few hours, 2014 will come to a close (at least where I am living). With that, we start a new year. Most people are thinking about their resolutions for the next 12 months and the goals they hope to achieve. As you are reflecting back on this year, if you were able to reach your goals (or even exceed them), then congratulate yourself on your success. If, however, for whatever reason, you weren’t successful in meeting your resolutions, then here are three simple tips (yes, I want to make this easy rather than complicated) to consider as you are making your resolutions for the year.
- Shake it off. It’s a new year. Whatever happened in 2014, whatever you’ve been through, it’s time to “shake it off” and move forward. Even if you are still dealing with a certain situation, tell yourself that you will keep on moving forward no matter how small the progress or how difficult it may be to do this. As in Taylor Swift’s song Shake It Off, “But I just keep on cruising, can’t stop, won’t stop moving. It’s like I got this music in my mind singing, it’s gonna be alright.” Keep on cruising and don’t stop moving forward.
- Take the good and learn from the bad. As much as there may have been difficult circumstances or negative events during the year, you probably experienced positive situations as well. If you really thought about all the things that went well (again, no matter how minor or small they may seem—think “things-to-be-grateful-for”), you can come up with a list of these events. Don’t take them for granted. As for the challenges, what can you learn from them? What is the takeaway you can apply in the new year, if not the future? Even in the most negative situations, there lies a learning opportunity if you are willing to look for it.
- The power of 1. When you are thinking of your resolutions, rather than listing all of the changes you will make, identify the one thing (i.e., one behavior) you can do now. For example, if you are planning to change and improve your eating habits, what can you do today? Will you consider enjoying the party foods, but in moderation? Can you plan your meals for tomorrow? Keep it simple. One behavior may not seem like much, but think about how changing one behavior consistently will add up 12 months from now.
I hope the next year will bring you much joy and fulfillment. I wish you much success in reaching your goals.
Problems to Possibilities 