Cheers to New Beginnings!

Cheers to New Beginnings!

New beginning or yet another year's letdown? Let’s face it, how many times have we cheered to new beginnings, new outlooks, different mindsets, or a new workout routine?! If you're me, you’ve done it at least 20 times. If you’re like the average population or at least 50 percent of those who make new year’s resolutions, you have probably already guessed that the success rate isn’t spectacular. Did you know that only 10 percent of the population that make a resolution each year are successful?

New year’s resolutions are great, but it can be nearly impossible without setting yourself an expectation for a change. Statistically, it takes 67 days for a new behavior to become automatic. This means that every day you wake up for 67 days (if you are average) (yeah, yeah, no one wants to be average... let’s move on), you must force yourself to make the resolution out of sheer willpower and determination. This is the reason most people fail! Sometimes, we are trusted in situations we don’t like, but ultimately, they change our habits, forcing us to build a new normal. 

Take dating for example, life seems great, and one day one or both parties decide to go separate ways. Yes, it's difficult because feelings are involved, but have you ever considered those habitual practices the hardest to break? It’s the expectation of a morning text, evening chat, or scheduled routine. Those are hard to break! However, if you can survive a breakup, and we all have, you can also survive your new year's resolution. 

So, what can you do to ensure success with your new year’s resolution? Since I’ve broken many of them, I know the things that don’t work. Let’s start there.

Don’t wait until January 1st to define your expectations.

Don’t put other's expectations on yourself.

What you can do to be successful:

1. Start by writing down your goals

When you see something in black and white, it becomes real. Your goal is no longer just an idea. 

2. Be specific 

What do you want to accomplish (lose 50 lb, start LLC, buy a new home)

3. Make it measurable

What will be a success for you? (Lose 5 lb. every month, and save $500 each month for a home down payment)

4. Be realistic

Do you want to start a business but need to learn about an industry? You can make it your goal to be an expert before you spend money on a new business venture. 

5. Start your routine before January 1st

This will help your goals have a strong start. 

6. Tell EVERYONE

If you tell everyone, it will give you accountability for others.

Let’s face it; sometimes, we do things to be recognized, and other times we do them to keep from feeling foolish. Whatever that may be for you, do it!

7. Plan for success

 If your goal is to lose weight, remove all junk food from your home before you begin. Put chocolate out of reach, and make yourself work for it on the days you want to reward yourself.

Lastly, DON’T GIVE UP!  You will fail before you can win, and that’s ok! Benjamin Franklin found 1,000 ways a lightbulb did not work, and then he found the one that did. We are not machines; we are all different, and that is what makes us beautiful. Give yourself some grace, just like you would give your children or your best friend, and no less. It will amaze you how much more understanding we are towards others than ourselves. 

Happy New Year Friends!

From Our Family to Yours