We go through the same exercise each year…the New Year’s resolution. As a life coach I get asked by people how they can keep their resolution. Here are a few tips:
- skip the word “resolution”, instead use the word “intention”.
- instead of framing your resolution in negative terms (i.e. cutting something out), re-frame it positively.
- start your intention when you feel motivated, don’t let the calendar determine when you start.
- list your past accomplishment which will help you feel successful already.
- ask for support.
- set up a reward system for each milestone you achieve.
One way to ensure success is to switch to a focus or intention such as health, simplicity, fitness, calmness or happiness versus making a resolution. Using a phrase or word can set the intention for the year and can help you evaluate all your priorities, actions and goals. When you set an intention you set a course for the future not for just a few days, weeks or months. If you think about it most people set a resolution with a start and end date. Instead intend to change your life and see how powerful that can be.
Wishing you the best of intentions for 2009!