Transitions for life, People in Motion


A Year in the Life - breaking out of the "Resolution Institution"


It's that time of year again. Time to set ourselves up for failure and disappointment. Time to start exercising five times a week, find a new job, take up hang-gliding, stop smoking and finally finish organizing the garage - all by December 31st 2004. So why do we do this to ourselves and why doesn't it work? The start of the New Year has always been a time for change. Good intentions abound as the slate has somehow been swept clean, just like that new calendar on the wall. Even our energy level seems higher; just check out the gym this time of year. You have to take a number to get on a treadmill these days. But often, after committing our time and energy towards achieving our goals over several weeks and months, the energy and interest dwindles away. What happens to those shining resolutions between January and March? Expectations can be the breeding ground of disappointment and discontent. Set them too high and we are doomed to failure from the start. A goal to lose 35 pounds before summer vacation is destined for the resolution graveyard. Focusing on what we are going to stop doing creates a sense of lack that is hard to live with over time (I can only mourn the absence of a Whataburger taquito for so long before giving in). Should-based goals awaken our inner child, who still doesn't like being told what to do. I should walk the dog, call my mother, give blood and clean out my refrigerator, but that certainly doesn't motivate me to do so. This year I recommend a new approach. Create a positive theme for yourself in 2004. Is this your Year of Good Health? Or perhaps the Year of Deliberate Success? How about the Year of New Friends or the Year of Letting Go? By focusing on a theme for living in the coming year and focusing on a positive approach, you avoid both the whip of your conscience and the golden carrot of unrealized goals. How would you be different next December if you spent the entire year exploring what good health really means to you? What would 2005 be like if you spent 2004 building new personal relationships? Take the coaching challenge and design a great Year in your life!

Tips for creating your positive theme:


Consider past resolutions that have shown up year after year without significant success. These recurring resolutions can give you insight into what you really want for yourself. If spending less makes it to your yearly list, perhaps 2004 is your Year of Understanding My Money or the Year of Prosperous Living. Ask what change within yourself would make the most difference a year from now. Examples of inner change around money include: - understand why I consistently spend more than I make - be in charge of my money instead of letting my money be in charge of me - become a smart money manager (and feel like one!) - create a positive relationship with money Create a catchy theme that reflects that inner change. This will be my "Year of Winning the Money Game". Come up with six interesting, supportive actions to create an environment that supports your new theme. Make sure your actions feel positive and are totally free of "shoulds". - enroll in a money management or investment course and take a friend - hire an interesting financial planner that teaches, as well as assists - read a book on creating prosperity from within - keep a spending diary for a month and discover your patterns and pitfalls - explore your family's history and relationships with money - subscribe to a financial newsletter or magazine Pick an action that interests you the most and just get started. Watch your New Year unfold in a totally different way as you focus on positive growth rather than restrictive change! Coaching Challenge Ask yourself why previous resolutions have not worked for you. Past failure is a wonderful marker for future success. Set a new pattern this year by creating your positive theme. Measure your progress during the year by what you do, not by what you don't do. If March comes along and you haven't taken your first action, you still have 9 months left. Don't give in to giving up. Be sure to look back at the end of 2004 and see the progress you have made. I think you will surprise yourself!		"Nothing good was ever achieved without enthusiasm." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Resources


Take the Spending/Debt self-assessment to learn more about your relationship with money at the Coaching Corner. Play the online Prosperity Game at www.projectprosperity.org Explore creating your "Year of Something Better" during a free 30-minute consultation with your coach!		Are you ready for more? Get a coach!