If you’re like most people, the New Year’s resolutions that you made are long gone. You might have thought about losing weight, paying off your debt, reconnecting with friends, or even learning something new. Now, it’s February, and while you did your best for the first two weeks, you found yourself slipping until you were back into your old habits. It’s time to take those resolutions off the shelf and make them better, stronger, and stray-proof.
“Successful people are simply those with successful habits.” ~ Brian Tracy
When you create resolutions for yourself, you are declaring that you are willing to take on several collections of habits. For instance, the resolution to lose weight is a declaration that you will choose to eat more vegetables, that you will climb the stairs a little more, and that you will ride your bike more often. Resolutions represent the foundation of successful habits.
Attuned to You
The first A in resolutions is Attuned. Your resolutions are yours, not anyone else’s. You create the especially for yourself, not your spouse, your family, or your friends. Just the very thought of completing your resolutions should bring a smile to your face. You should feel that extra jolt of energy at the thought of giving yourself something special. When the goal is important to you, you are highly likely to complete it and achieve the prize.
“We can change our lives. We can do, have, and be exactly what we wish.” ~ Tony Robbins
Attitude Oriented
Your second A is Attitude. The confidence that you have about a project will determine its success or failure. Attitude is a powerful force, one which has changed the course of mighty countries and companies. Your resolutions, when they are centered around your positive attitude, make you unstoppable in their achievement. There’s a saying, ‘when you believe, you achieve.’
Actionable Steps Can be Taken
The third A is Actionable. Not only do you have the confidence that you can complete this resolution, but you’ve broken the resolution down into actionable steps. Each of these steps should take no more than about fifteen or twenty minutes to complete. This process enables you to wrap your mind around the resolution just that little bit better.
Anytime Completion
The fourth A is Anytime. Resolutions have no exact start dates. They do not have to be started at a specific time and just slotted into our lives. They can be started at any time. The new year is incredibly convenient for certain resolutions like quitting smoking and changing your diet, but it is not necessary to follow a specific protocol when following resolutions. If you are committed to doing the resolution, then the time that you start doesn’t matter.
“Adventure is not outside man; it is within.” ~ George Eliot
Adventure Oriented
The fifth and final A is for Adventure. We all have different definitions for the word ‘adventure,’ but there’s a tiny little part of us which wants it in our lives. We’re curious: eager to find the new discoveries, willing to break the records, wanting to turn lead into gold. And, frankly, many of our own resolutions don’t measure up. Completion of your resolution means the start of a new adventure.
GOYA-cises
Here are a few things you can do right now to put these ideas into actions:
First, revisit your resolutions. Think about the things which you wish to accomplish this year for yourself. Make sure that these new resolutions are completely yours and doable.
Second, turn your resolutions into smaller actionable steps. Keep those resolutions in mind when you’re searching for the next thing to do. Always be searching for a way of reaching your goal.
Third, remember that life is an adventure and that your resolutions are guideposts on that quest for adventure. You don’t fail at resolutions, you merely postpone their completion.
“Remember that it is up to you to choose everyday to Get off Your Attitude and to create a positive lifestyle for yourself and others.” Ryan C. Lowe
