Now is the accepted time to make your annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~ Mark Twain
There’s always a lot of hype about the New Year, and even more in a new decade, and there is good reason for it. We’ve been making new resolutions and commitments on January 1st since the early 19th Century. Here’s how to make the best of it!
It is time for a fresh start, for a new way of thinking, and while you are at it, why not make this your best year ever. BUT it is up to you to take a stand for yourself, to understand and get over your limited thinking and claim your best life – For Real, Forever.
As we all know it’s easy to commit to something and be enthusiastic and ready for positive change. And, as good intentions can go, they often turn into disappointment and discouragement.
It is important to understand why this happens. Part of it is you haven’t thought it through and part of it is the subconscious saboteur hiding inside of you. Your programing from childhood may not seem relevant but I assure you it is. You might really, really want to do, be or have something and even have a plan, but without a thoughtfelt plan, it’s likely you won’t get there.
To start – You can dig into what’s lurking below the surface by looking at the repeating thought patterns you have. Here are a few common ones.
- I’m not good enough
- Fear of rejection
- Feeling invisible
- Money doesn’t grow on trees
- Be seen and not heard
- I am too big for my britches
- I must sacrifice for the sake of others
These are just a few and this is what it might look like in real life:
You start with the best of intentions. You go to the gym twice, and then you get sick. You quickly forget about it, after all it’s only ten dollars a month and you are too tired and too busy anyway. You start your social media campaign and then get confused about what to post where and when. The perfectionist takes charge and you simply stop (this is me). LOL You have a brilliant idea and then another one, and just one more. You are so amazing that you just can’t decide what to do and where to start.
You know what your scenario is. Look back over the last year, two years, or decade and see what has been your recurring pattern. Write it down so you recognize it when it shows up. Then step into your POWER and move forward anyway.
You have to think of yourself and love yourself first in order to make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you. You must learn to say NO to what does not serve you, and then YES to what you want. A thoughtfelt plan is one that has deep clear intentions, that is aligned with your values, your deepest desires and is based in your head and your heart. But without answering a few simple questions for yourself you may not be headed down the path that is truly meant for you.
Good Intentions or Real Commitments
Before you decide on any new quest do a pro’s and con’s list. But first ask yourself these questions.
- How have I grown this past year?
- What gave me energy and what drained me?
- What is the reason I want to ________?
- What’s likely to get in my way?
- Am I willing to take a stand and set the boundaries that matter? (You know what I mean)
- What are the results I want?
- What difference will it make in my life?
- What are the pro’s and con’s? Make your list…
Whether it is a business, health or other commitment, take the time to get connected to your reasons, to your heart and then move forward without hesitation.
If you are hiring a coach to help you stay on track or breakthrough your barriers, or someone to do your marketing, copy, branding etc. make sure you ask yourself what you expect to gain from working with them. Don’t be afraid to interview different people. It is pretty great to make an informed decision and it enhances your power of making the right choice for you, and having to say no to what doesn’t work. I’ve been guilty of working with the wrong persons in the past and it doesn’t feel good. It is a waste of time, energy and money.
Now go and ACE it!
A – Accept and Activate
C – Clarify and Commit
E – Energize and Empower
Savvy Blog Contributor:
Ruby Red Road
Karen Carey is the founder of Ruby Red Road and partner at Five Star Coaching Group. As a CultureTalk certified partner, she helps businesses and teams create a productive and positive environment with self-knowledge, collaboration and heart to maximize potential and ultimate success.
Opinions expressed by Savvy Women blog contributors are their own.