How are your New Year’s Resolutions going?
For some people, they may be going strong; but for other people, you may have started to lose momentum. What happens when you lose momentum?
Speaking from my life, I know there have been times that I have set great goals. This could be exercising, eating healthy and taking time for myself to re-energize me and fill my cup. All great goals… so why couldn’t I stick with them?
When I would let life get in the way, I would set my goals aside. In time it became easier to fall back into the old routine or habits instead of trying to create new ones. Once I would miss a day or two of exercising, because of kid schedules or something coming up at work, I would just drop the whole goal. Chalk it up to ‘I tried…’
Tip # 1 - Set a Realistic Goal
You know, small hinges swing big doors? It really is amazing when you think about it. You can have a large piece of wood that is very heavy to lift, but you place three small hinges on the edge connecting it to a wall and the door becomes easy to move.
I’ve started thinking of my goals in this way and it has made an incredible difference in being able to accomplish them.
In the past, I have set great goals, but the plan to achieve them was too much, too fast. You don’t go from sitting on the couch every night to running a 5k in a week or a month. That would be unrealistic.
Now, if I set a goal of running a 5k and I start small and build my way up to running the 5k in 3-4 months, then that sounds more realistic. If you start with small steps with your goals, break them down into manageable pieces, it is easier to accomplish them and stick with your plan.
I personally am not a runner, it’s not fun to me, but I have enjoyed dancing in my life and yoga feels a little like dancing to me; therefore, it is fun. I currently have a goal to incorporate yoga in my day-to-day life.
I started with just stretching once during the day, just a few minutes. Stretching my arms to the sky, bending to the right, to the left, bending down to touch my toes; maybe do these moves two times before bed or in the morning. I did this for a few weeks and then started adding more.
Tip # 2 - Know that You are WORTH IT!
What does that mean? Well, you set the goal why? To feel better about yourself? To feel better in your skin? To be healthier? To get ready for a beach vacation?
No matter your reason, you set the goal because it is good and important enough for you to want to make a change. You deserve to set time aside in your schedule to start making the change for yourself!
As you hear on a flight, put your oxygen mask on first before you help the person beside you.
Put your mask on before you help your child. Put your mask on before you help your spouse or other family. If your cup is empty, you have nothing to give. If taking a little time for you helps to fill your cup, then it is important to do so that you will have something to give.
Taking time for you doesn’t have to be exercise. It can be reading, writing, drawing, coloring, movement of any kind, cooking, baking, sewing, or whatever. One of your goals for this year should be to take time for yourself; to fill your cup.
Be proud of yourself and the effort you make. See yourself with love, not judgement. Take small steps to reach your goals and celebrate your wins as you go **no matter how small they may feel.** YOU DESERVE TIME TO FILL YOU CUP. Find the time and make YOU a priority this year!
Sending you peace, love and joy my friend. Sam
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