Welcome: 2012

I get some great emails from HR at work and I wanted to share this one with all of you!!

May your 2012 be just as great, if not better than 2011!

As you begin 2012, take a moment to pause and reflect on how you can make this year better for yourself.  Don’t just start the New Year off with a resolution, commit to making a positive change in your life.  It requires action, dedication, attention, and a plan.  Creating change in your life must start with the following:

- Identify the area in your life that you want to change or improve upon

-Identify a simple action that would make the most difference with creating the change

-Turn that action into a routine

You’re more likely to succeed in your efforts with making a change by following these steps:

Be Specific – Instead of saying “I will start exercising”, re-phrase by saying “I will walk 30 minutes after work, 3 days a week.”  Or if your plan is to eat healthier, don’t just say, “I will start the New Year by eating healthier.”  Rather, “I will replace eating a snack from the vending machine by eating an apple or banana instead.”

Put Your Plan in Writing – Write down exactly what you want to achieve and post it in a place where you will see it every day.  Keep a journal or log to track your progress.  This will remind you of the goal you’re working toward.

Set a Realistic Goal – It’s unreasonable to expect to make a lot of big changes at the same time.  Start small and create a timeline to help you achieve your goal.  Once you’ve accomplished a few small goals, you can build upon them and begin setting and accomplishing bigger goals.  You’ll set the stage for your own motivation.

Be Flexible – Behavior change isn’t easy and it sometimes takes more than a few times to accomplish.   Setbacks can and will happen, but don’t get discouraged or give up.  Continue to stick with your goal and eventually your hard work will pay off.

Acknowledge and Reward Yourself – It’s important to acknowledge and reward yourself for achieving your goal.  Reaching a goal takes commitment and hard work.  You should acknowledge and be proud of your efforts.

Believe in Yourself – Be confident in your ability to make a behavior change.  Stay positive and find your inspiration.  Surround yourself with positive people, quotes, sayings, or success stories.

“Success doesn’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.” -Anon.

Take the time to think about what you can do differently in 2012.  Whether it’s eating healthier, starting a new exercise program or a hobby, spending quality time with family and friends, learning something new, or just making some time for yourself, you will experience a renewed sense of accomplishment and pride, and you will also add more balance to your life.  To get motivated and stay that way you must commit to moving forward, day after day.  Be persistent and believe in yourself.  All positive changes, regardless of how small, will improve your life.  

Make this New Year count and create a plan to follow through on your resolution.

 Sources:

James Loehr, Ed.D; Co-author, The Power of Full Engagement.

© 2006-2009 WellnessProposals.com. All rights reserved.