Last night was the first of my two New Year’s segments on CHCH TV (the second will happen at 7:50am on January 5th).
Check out the first segment where I was part of a discussion regarding the challenges that comes with setting resolutions and how to create great resolutions you’ll want to keep. Watch it here.
You’ve decided it’s time to break that old habit and cultivate a new one for the New Year. The idea of a better version of yourself has you inspired to act, and ready to do it now! What do you no longer accept of yourself? What do you demand of yourself to be better? Whether it’s going to bed earlier, meditating, getting a sweat on every day, or giving your diet an overhaul, these 5 tricks will have you chasing down your goals and living the life you’ve imagined.
1. Start Small.
Take a close look at what it is you want to achieve and all the potential steps to get there. What is the first and simplest of those steps? Now that is where you will start! So if your goal is to go for a run every day. The simplest step will be to put on your running shoes and head out that door. And once your shoes are on and you’re outside, well you might as well run! Break you habit into the simplest version of itself and start there.
2. Plan Ahead.
Examine your schedule and make time for you. Sure, once your shoes are on, going for the run becomes a straightforward task, but have you carved out the time for this to happen? Examine your day with a fine toothed comb, and just like you wouldn’t cancel on that meeting with your boss, or brunch with the girls, time to form your habit must be non negotiable too!
3. Set a Reminder.
This behaviour is new, which means it might not always be on the top of your mind. So consider leaving yourself some loving and gentle reminders throughout the day to help you make the right decisions. If your goal is to drink more water, then have a reusable water bottle ready to be filled at your desk. Want to sit less at work? Try setting a phone alarm to remind you to get up and move. What to think happier thoughts? Why not change you phone background to someone you love, family or friend, whoever brings a smile to your face and heart. Setting up a visual reminder takes the thinking out of your goal making it much easier to remember.
4. Be Accountable.
Let everyone you know aware about this awesome new habit you are forming. You’ll be working hard to make these changes; the moral support will help you to keep at it and push through. Share your habit on social media, give daily updates which people will expect, and let everyone know that you’ve got this!
5. Reward Yourself!
It’s important to celebrate your successes no matter the size. Every time you remember your habit consider a little verbal “way to go!” After one week of success, how about an extra long bubble bath. One month, maybe a picnic in the park. Rewards don’t need to cost money, but they do need to make you feel good. Give yourself some praise and enjoy every success.
How About You?
What good habits have you developed recently? What helped you form them? What motivated you throughout the process? Are there any habits you would still like to develop? Share your thoughts in the comments!
2013 is almost here. So it’s time to start determining what it is you want out of this year and re-establishing the direction you want your life to go in. Whether you’re making resolutions, intentions, or goals, creating a vision for yourself prior to establishing any of these helps you to see and feel where you want your life to go. A vision helps you to provide focus and direction to your goals or intentions and helps you to discover your path. Here are a few tips for setting a vision and goals which to help you get the most out of 2013.
Close your eyes and visualize yourself in 5-10 years, what do you see, hear, and feel? Who are you with? Where are you? Then using a pen and paper, jot these ideas down using the present tense.
If visualization isn’t something you’re into, consider creating a vision board to demonstrate the life you want to live. Cut photos and phrases from some of your favourite magazines and attach them to a canvas or insert them into a photo frame.
Still not jumping at the idea? Then how about going 
digital? Why not use a digital tool such as Pinterest to create a board of inspirational quotes and eye-catching photos. Pin to a board titled “Vision for my life in ten years” or “Vision for my health in 2013”. You can keep it private or share it with friends, and with the iPhone app can be pinning on the go!
Another great iPhone app I love for dream creating, vision boarding, and goal setting is Getting Dreams Done. It’s simple to use, walks you through the steps required and won’t let you sneak ahead without doing the initial work. After creating your vision, you can set and track your goals and it has a calendar to hold you accountable to achieving them.
Your vision for yourself is established, and hopefully through the process you started to notice some trends, so now it’s time to turn these visions into goals. Bring out that pen and paper, or open your app and start writing.
Step 1: Start your goal with “I”
Step 2: Follow up your “I” with a verb “I run” “I train” “I attend”
Step 3: Write your goal in the present tense – it’s happening now!
Step 4: State what you want and not what you don’t want – “I eat clean” vs. “I don’t eat junk foods”
Step 5: Give yourself a “by when” – what date will you complete this goal by?
My example: I qualify for the Boston Marathon by November 3rd, 2013.
Create a system to get them done. Break down your goals into incremental steps and put those steps into your calendar or app. A step might be joining a fitness group or run club.
Tell someone about your goal! Find someone with a similar goal and share yours. This creates support for you along the process and holds you accountable.
My example: To reach my goal of qualifying for Boston, I’ve registered for a number of races already this season and I’ve challenged myself by adding another Marathon to my training schedule. I am currently investigating running groups in the area to join up with to help me increase my pace. I’m also investigating a variety of training plans which have been proven to support runners in making their goal times.
What’s one of your goals for 2013? Become accountable and share it in the comment section!
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