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Monday, January 4, 2016

New Year's Resolution Alternatives & the Two Questions

It's that time of year when people create new year's resolutions and then brag or feel guilty about breaking them before the month of January ends.Years ago, I let go of resolutions because they made me sad and guilty that I could never be successful at keeping them. 

In the last few years, I have discovered alternatives to the good ole new year's resolution that make me happy and that actually create change:

Alternative 1 - Create a Theme
This is not my fabulous idea. I learned about creating a new year's theme last year from my amazing mentor, Caroline Leach (you can read her blog here: CarolineLeach). Instead of resolving to do something. Create a theme to shape all of your decisions and actions. 
Here is a great article from Grechen Ruben (author of The Happiness Project) A Fun Way to Make a New Year's Resolution: Chose a One-Word Theme.

Alternative 2 - Create a SMART Goal - Start Small
Don't do the "lose 25 pounds in a month" or "workout 2 hours everyday" goals. You are only setting yourself up for frustration and failure. Create a SMART goal instead. 

A SMART goal is:



Create ONE and only ONE SMART goal. Once it is accomplished, then create a second one. And then more as you build this muscle and your confidence.

There are loads of resources online to help you create your SMART goal. A simple Google search for "SMART Goals" will give you worksheets, videos and more. Find the one that "sings" to you.

Does it Make You Happy?
Whatever you chose, make sure it lights you up. Follow these steps to determine if your theme/goal makes you happy:

  1. Stand in front of a mirror
  2. Tell yourself your theme/goal
  3. Are you smiling?





The Two Questions
Taking on something new is hard no matter how small. Your success will be much higher if you can answer "yes" to BOTH of the questions below.


If you answer "no" to either one, stop!!! Wait until you are ready for the change AND you believe you can do it.

Good luck and most importantly, have fun. Yes, have FUN!!!!