New Year, New You

Its 2013, the New Year resolutions are set. The gyms are full, the fad diets have started and everyone says this year will be different. But I’ve heard it all before and that’s because I used to be one of those people that made those ridiculous New Year resolutions that lasted nothing but a week or two. This year though, I’m doing things differently; rather than make those New Year Resolutions, I’ve set goals and strategies that WILL make 2013 the best one yet.

The New Year to some is just another day which honestly it is; but if you’re anything like me, I see it as a clean slate, the beginning of a New Chapter and 365 days to get it right. Every year I say "This year is going to be better, it’s going to be my break- through year” but I don't do anything out of the ordinary to make it better - I do the same things and expect different results. But 2013…. I'm changing it up; I’m stepping outside my comfort zone, conquering those dreams and facing those fears I have and even if I fail, guess what?  I know I tried.

A lot of people including myself have a fear of failure and what I’ve come to realize is fear can be both Healthy and Unhealthy. Healthy fear for example gets you out of the path of impending danger while Unhealthy fear is F.E.A.R - false evidence that appears real which is mostly a fabrication of your mind to keep you imprisoned. Overcome this unhealthy fear, and you will wake up to a different perspective on life. Failure on the other hand is nothing  but a process of finding out what doesn’t work and what course of actions to not take the next time around. It took Thomas Edison more than 999 tries to invent a light bulb so why do people like you and I think it will take us our first attempt to accomplish our dreams or whatever else we set out to DO? The truth of the matter is, we need to start thinking like scientists. They go into the lab to test whatever theories they have and HOPE it works yet leave room for failure.  If the experiment doesn’t work they keep tweaking it till they find what works but they NEVER give up. We can succeed at ANYTHING we set out to accomplish so far we keep DOING and not give up regardless of what challenges we face.

It’s time to do something different from your norm, put away those New Year Resolutions, step outside of your comfort zone and Make that BIG DREAM of yours your goal. Write them down and place them where they are visible (Keep in mind, for a goal to be effective it should be SMART, i.e. it has to be Specific – What do you want to achieve? It has to be Measurable -, Can you measure your progress? It has to be Attainable – is this goal realistic? - Are you trying to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks, you and I know that’s unrealistic  so make sure you’re not setting yourself up by setting unrealistic goals. Rewarding - You want to buy that dream home of yours- which is why you work so hard but why? Why do you want to buy that particular home? How will you feel while living in it? The feeling you get on achieving the goal is the reward that will keep you motivated in face of challenges and obstacles and prevent you from quitting. Finally, it must be Time bound - There has to be a completion date and it must not be too short or long, as it will make the goal unattainable. Time is one of the prices that you are paying for the goal, and you must give it time that the goal is worth. Setting deadlines will also insure you against procrastination and perfectionism. If any of these ingredients are missing, it will not be possible for the goals to fulfill their purpose.

 I’ve heard a lot of people ask why it’s necessary to write down goals and unfortunately it’s because we humans are forgetful creatures. Something we think is important today becomes less important tomorrow as new “important” things pop up but this is your DREAM; you have to protect it. They are a lot of ways to do that for example you can place frames or notes of your dreams and goals everywhere in your home (That’s what I've done) it can be on your kitchen wall, your mirror, your car visor etc. You get the gist, get creative and place your dreams and goals everywhere because, a dream not worked on is nothing but that a DREAM.

As you set out to conquer these goals and dreams, remember it won't be an easy task- it’s going to be challenging and during those challenging times you might have thoughts of quitting but as long as you don't, you WILL succeed. Keep finding new and fun ways to achieve those goals- the idea is to always be doing something till it pays off. Like Carrie Underwood said “There will be God-Given opportunities no matter what field you're in. You just have to recognize them and take them" and that's the truth, those opportunities will come, you just have to be PREPARED, recognize them and grab them when they show up because they will.

Have a wonderful 2013 and make it your best one yet.