Simple Steps to Getting the Life You Want

Every January, we all go through the motion of setting New Year’s resolutions. They usually range from eating healthier, a gym membership, learning a language and perhaps skydiving, being more forgiving of others or cutting back on television. The central point to most resolutions is changes to ourselves and helping us be the person we want to be.  We have the best intentions.  This year.  This time… Unfortunately, by February, most of those good intentions that we set for ourselves seem to fade away and eleven months later we find ourselves setting the same resolutions for the next year. Here are a few pointers to keep it all in perspective and keep you on track all the way until December.

Change Can Be Difficult

It couldn’t be said any clearer.  Change can be difficult.  I don’t like change either….It can be scary as well but I have found regret can be a lot scarier. As you begin to make changes in your life, it may seem like too much so you take a step back and then two, and then we no longer pursue what we set out to do.  We have to find that inspiration in ourselves to continue and realize that change, as difficult as it may seem, will be so worth it in the end.  I love to have the really big dream “out there” and creating a dream board specifically for that dream has always helped me manage the difficulties that are bound to come up when we make big changes.

Step By Step

Changes don’t have to be done in one giant leap. When we try to take it all on all at once, that is when it is easy to just give up.  Chunk it down into doable steps.  Keep it simple and manageable. Small steps are better than no steps and will help you reach your goal without  experiencing the feeling of being overwhelmed. Figure out your goal -what it is you really want and determine where you currently are and set those increments and you’ll have achieved it before you know it.  Losing weight is one of the most common goals we set and then get frustrated by.  I have found that no matter what the goal, what we can measure and track, we can change.  Writing down what I eat and weighing myself every week at the same time and same day has definitely helped me.

Don’t Give Up

This is where self-help can run into it’s biggest obstacle. That moment when you feel your goal is too big to accomplish and you start to lose the drive to achieve it. I urge you not to give up. The goals we set for ourselves for self-improvement are things we recognize need changing.  Stay with it because if it is something that important to you, you can do it. Keep in mind why you started so you can remain motivated.  You may think that your goal is tough but remember, so are you.  It is when I look back at what I have accomplished over the years that I realize that the times were the toughest also created the most powerful changes in me.

Take Time for Yourself

With all the references to embracing changes, taking time and not giving up, be sure to take regular moments for yourself and reflect on the progress you have made. Celebrate the wins!  This time will give you a chance to re-evaluate your plan and make any changes that may be necessary. These checkpoints can build up your self-confidence as you ask how you’re doing and the goal you set becomes closer to achieving.  I can’t tell you how much it helps me to have a quarterly check in with my goals for the year.  It keeps them top of mind and always reminds me what I have accomplished and what I need to spend time on.
Here is another great resource for you for self-help.   I came across this blog by Susie Moore that I encourage you to read called The Top 5 Lessons I’ve Learned After Reading 500+ Self-Help Books. I loved this article!  It also provides great book recommendations for you to explore the world of self-help further.