Congratulations! If you're reading this, you have made it through the holidays and are probably starting to think about how you will change things for the upcoming year. Before diving into a set of New Year's Resolutions which will require a lawyer to decipher, lets take a moment to review some of the principles of successful change.
1. Break Each Goal into Steps
Called "objectives", these steps are measurable increments which allow you to judge your progress towards change. For example, if your goal is to "Eat Healthier", you will need to define what that will look like. Your initial objectives might be "eat green vegetables three times per week", "switch from 2% milk to skim" and "make sure snacks have at least 5g fiber".
2. Keep It Simple
Studies have shown that humans do best making 2-3 small changes at a time. More than this creates confusion, feels overly restrictive and allows you to avoid one change by focusing on others. Once you get these first two changes under control, you can slowly add the others.
3. Start REALLY Small
Smaller than you think you need to. In fact, it may even help to start tracking something you are already successful at. The reason for this is that success breeds success. Nothing provides more motivation than feeling like you are doing a good job reaching your goals. So if your goal is to increase your level of physical activity, and you already take the stairs at work everyday, make doing this your first objective. Then add a ten minute walk 2 times per week. You will be amazed at how good it feels to keep track of something you are doing well at, and how quickly your progress picks up speed.
4. Review and Revise
Most plans aren't perfect right from the beginning. Only by living your goals and objectives will you be able to identify what is too easy, what is too hard and what might work more effectively. As you master your earlier objectives, you will need to set more challenging ones. Revising a plan means that you and your plan are a living work in progress, and that you have the courage to evaluate and make accommodations shows your dedication to your goals. Set aside a regular time each week to review your progress and make changes that seem necessary.
5. Change is a Journey, Not a Destination
Every moment counts because every moment is part of your journey. The brownies you ate five minutes ago don't mean that stopping at the gym on the way home is a waste of time. In fact, your opportunity to do well for yourself has become even more precious. As New Year's Day slips into January 2nd, we will all stumble. While this may frighten and discourage us, it does not signify that we have arrived, or that we are unfit for travel. Rather, it tells us that miss-steps are part of our larger journey; part of our humanness which we must learn to tolerate without giving up.
So, as 2008 fades with the last light of today, may you all gather hope and inspiration for a peaceful, healthy and joyous 2009. Happy New Year!
