Resolve to make changes for 2012

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

January is the time when people decide to set goals and make resolutions. How effective are those resolutions in the long run? What is your track record for positively changing your behaviors? As a wellness coach, I work with people to set realistic goals and identify their motivation for change. One thing I have realized over the years is that people only make these changes when they have a strong support network, are ready for change and have identified the strengths within themselves to see effective change in their life.
One way to identify the things that you would like to work on in 2012 is to create a list of resolutions. I did this recently after reading “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. This book is filled with fantastic ideas about how one can learn and grow from the experiences in daily life and set resolutions to become happier for oneself and one’s family. It made me consider what things I could be doing in my life to spread happiness. One thing that has stuck with me is the idea that when you set a goal for yourself it has a start date and an end date. Once you meet it ~ say, lose 10 lbs ~ then what? You set another goal. However, when you make a RESOLUTION, you ‘resolve’ to change your behavior to see permanent change. Resolving to be happier seems to be a great place to start. When people are happy, they are more compliant with exercise, eat more healthfully and are more engaged with family and friends. Changing your attitude about what makes you happy is within all of our control.
For 2012, I am encouraging friends, clients and coworkers to set realistic resolutions for themselves in the coming months. Consider all aspects of your life and take the time to determine the areas in which you are doing very well, and recognize those areas that have needed your full attention. Identify 12 things that you would like to focus on in the coming months and then break it down so that you are focusing on a different area each month. By breaking down your resolutions and focusing on one at time, success is more likely to happen.

Here are resolutions that my friends and family are considering for 2012:

Get more sleep
Look at the bright side
Make my children laugh out loud
Be present with my children
Lighten up!
Cook a new recipe each week
Be more active
Organize and de-clutter my home
Be kind
Smile at strangers
Finish the books I start
Eat more healthfully
Think positively
Ask for help
Enjoy the ride ~ life is short