I am not one for making New Year's resolutions. I never have been. I am the type of person who commits to change when I believe a change needs to be made. I see no sense in waiting to start something good when today is the first day of the rest of your life and since there is no time like the present! (Sorry about the cliches!)
So, I guess it's just coincidence that I am writing about a new beginning on the first day of a new year....umm-yeah!
* * *
We all get stuck in ruts. Life gets busy. Days and hours seem to get shorter. Time flies by. Life becomes all about keeping our heads above water and just making it through till the next day. Then, the next day comes and we look at ourselves and say, "What happened? What have I accomplished? How did I get here? I never thought I would be this way!" And then we hang our head and shake it in disbelief.
It is at this point that we can make one of two decisions. The first decision, sadly to say, is one that is all to common. It is the one where we throw up our hands and concede to the fact that this is just the way it is. We believe that we are too far behind to possibly even start to change for the better so we will just continue to let life run us.
But there is that other decision. This is the one where we take control and not only admit that changes need to be made, but also commit to making those changes no matter what it takes. This is the decision that I want to talk about!
I have so many clients come to me who are desperate because they have physically "let themselves go." They know they need to change and they are now ready for change. But they are overwhelmed and they just don't know where to begin. My job is to understand them so that I can help them navigate through their rough waters, support them in their journey and teach them how to chart their own course. I am their facilitator, working along side of them to help relieve the fear and anxiety of change and to be a resource and guide. My job is not simply about putting people through strenuous and physically challenging work outs. It's more about meeting them where they are at and helping them to overcome behavior patterns that interfere with the life they desire as well as helping them to understand and adapt to a new lifestyle.
If you are serious about making a positive change in your life this new year, whether it is a physical one or not, you may find the following points helpful. These are all things that I help my clients begin to understand as we go through our journey together. It is amazing to see how their lives change as they learn to look at themselves, others and life in a different way!
1. The first step in making a change is realizing that a change is necessary. It is imperative that you are brutally honest with yourself. These questions will help you in this process:
-Do I really want to change?
-If I don't make a change, what are the possible consequences?
- Am I willing to suffer those consequences if I don't change?
-What will it cost me to make the change and is it worth it? (Remember...you ARE worth it!)
- Am I being fair to those around me if I don't change?
-Am I ready to start now?
2. If you realize that you need a change, then it must be necessary. Commit today! Putting off change is the easy way out! And everyday you put off change, the easier it gets to ignore change...and nothing will get better. Make each day count for something positive!
3. You are not alone. Find family and/or friends who are willing to partner with you on your journey. There are people in your life who are ready and willing to be able to help you become the person you want to be. They need to know that they have your permission. They will be there to give you moral support and to help hold you accountable. When other people know your intentions, it makes you want to work harder in order to succeed.
4. It is okay for me to make this change one step at a time. Rome wasn't built in a day. Set small, realistic and attainable goals for yourself. By doing this, you won't become overwhelmed by the big picture and you will begin to realize small victories in short periods of time! This is a process and you can only take one step at a time. But you need to start with that one step to begin your journey!
5. Keep your goal in sight! Looking forward to the prize will always help you to win the race. Don't allow small distractions to interfere. If you really desire this change, then it must occupy a high position on your priority list and you may have to ignore those things that really aren't important.
6. Setbacks can make you stronger! There will always be set backs. But with a positive attitude, you can pick yourself up and start where you left off. Every time you work to overcome an obstacle, it just makes you stronger for facing the next one. Remember, this is about you taking responsibility for yourself and being in control!
7. Recognize the small victories. Working towards the ultimate goal should be more important than reaching the goal. Even though you may have not achieved your ultimate goal yet, look at all the positive changes you have made along the way that have now become a positive part of your life. Focus on all the positives. Focus on what you have accomplished and not on what you have not accomplished as of yet. The ultimate goal will come!
8. Keep going and never give up. Each day that you make accomplishments puts you one day closer to your goal. Winning is fun and every time you win you realize that it is all worth it!
9. Know that you can do it!!! Remove the phrase, "I can't" from your vocabulary and thought process! When you say, "I can", then you will!
10. You are worth it!
Making a change is about getting up each morning and putting your best foot forward even though you may not feel like it. But the more you push yourself to make the change, the easier it becomes day by day until it becomes a part of you; a part of you that is smiling because you cared enough about yourself to make the change!
Is it time for you to make a New Beginning? Then take the first step. You can do it!
Happy New Year!
Mark
So, I guess it's just coincidence that I am writing about a new beginning on the first day of a new year....umm-yeah!
* * *
We all get stuck in ruts. Life gets busy. Days and hours seem to get shorter. Time flies by. Life becomes all about keeping our heads above water and just making it through till the next day. Then, the next day comes and we look at ourselves and say, "What happened? What have I accomplished? How did I get here? I never thought I would be this way!" And then we hang our head and shake it in disbelief.
It is at this point that we can make one of two decisions. The first decision, sadly to say, is one that is all to common. It is the one where we throw up our hands and concede to the fact that this is just the way it is. We believe that we are too far behind to possibly even start to change for the better so we will just continue to let life run us.
But there is that other decision. This is the one where we take control and not only admit that changes need to be made, but also commit to making those changes no matter what it takes. This is the decision that I want to talk about!
I have so many clients come to me who are desperate because they have physically "let themselves go." They know they need to change and they are now ready for change. But they are overwhelmed and they just don't know where to begin. My job is to understand them so that I can help them navigate through their rough waters, support them in their journey and teach them how to chart their own course. I am their facilitator, working along side of them to help relieve the fear and anxiety of change and to be a resource and guide. My job is not simply about putting people through strenuous and physically challenging work outs. It's more about meeting them where they are at and helping them to overcome behavior patterns that interfere with the life they desire as well as helping them to understand and adapt to a new lifestyle.
If you are serious about making a positive change in your life this new year, whether it is a physical one or not, you may find the following points helpful. These are all things that I help my clients begin to understand as we go through our journey together. It is amazing to see how their lives change as they learn to look at themselves, others and life in a different way!
1. The first step in making a change is realizing that a change is necessary. It is imperative that you are brutally honest with yourself. These questions will help you in this process:
-Do I really want to change?
-If I don't make a change, what are the possible consequences?
- Am I willing to suffer those consequences if I don't change?
-What will it cost me to make the change and is it worth it? (Remember...you ARE worth it!)
- Am I being fair to those around me if I don't change?
-Am I ready to start now?
2. If you realize that you need a change, then it must be necessary. Commit today! Putting off change is the easy way out! And everyday you put off change, the easier it gets to ignore change...and nothing will get better. Make each day count for something positive!
3. You are not alone. Find family and/or friends who are willing to partner with you on your journey. There are people in your life who are ready and willing to be able to help you become the person you want to be. They need to know that they have your permission. They will be there to give you moral support and to help hold you accountable. When other people know your intentions, it makes you want to work harder in order to succeed.
4. It is okay for me to make this change one step at a time. Rome wasn't built in a day. Set small, realistic and attainable goals for yourself. By doing this, you won't become overwhelmed by the big picture and you will begin to realize small victories in short periods of time! This is a process and you can only take one step at a time. But you need to start with that one step to begin your journey!
5. Keep your goal in sight! Looking forward to the prize will always help you to win the race. Don't allow small distractions to interfere. If you really desire this change, then it must occupy a high position on your priority list and you may have to ignore those things that really aren't important.
6. Setbacks can make you stronger! There will always be set backs. But with a positive attitude, you can pick yourself up and start where you left off. Every time you work to overcome an obstacle, it just makes you stronger for facing the next one. Remember, this is about you taking responsibility for yourself and being in control!
7. Recognize the small victories. Working towards the ultimate goal should be more important than reaching the goal. Even though you may have not achieved your ultimate goal yet, look at all the positive changes you have made along the way that have now become a positive part of your life. Focus on all the positives. Focus on what you have accomplished and not on what you have not accomplished as of yet. The ultimate goal will come!
8. Keep going and never give up. Each day that you make accomplishments puts you one day closer to your goal. Winning is fun and every time you win you realize that it is all worth it!
9. Know that you can do it!!! Remove the phrase, "I can't" from your vocabulary and thought process! When you say, "I can", then you will!
10. You are worth it!
Making a change is about getting up each morning and putting your best foot forward even though you may not feel like it. But the more you push yourself to make the change, the easier it becomes day by day until it becomes a part of you; a part of you that is smiling because you cared enough about yourself to make the change!
Is it time for you to make a New Beginning? Then take the first step. You can do it!
Happy New Year!
Mark