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.
