This Time Next Year . . .

Here We Go, Again

The old year is coming to a close and we excitedly (maybe anxiously) anticipate the beginning of the New Year. We are entering a fresh cycle of 365 days.

Roughly 60% of you will set a New Year’s resolution that will go something like this:

“This time next year (or in the next ___ months) I will have . . . .”

Your mind gets to work planning your success. You see it happening. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it will happen. And, then, it doesn’t. Over half of you will drop out of the resolutions race by the end of March.

The beginning of anything you anticipate is exciting, and your giddiness means you will

1. overestimate your commitment to your resolution

2. underestimate the time and effort needed to be successful

Your commitment wanes as the unpredicted time and effort tax your resilience. Then, you buckle to the pressure. You tell yourself that what you’re attempting is too hard and, anyway, you’re too busy. You don’t have time in your life right now to make that thing happen. Oh well, maybe next year.

And so the cycle goes year after year until you look back in disappointment and regret, realizing that you could have conquered that mountain ten times over by now. This is why we try to leverage cycles like the New Year to motivate us to success, when it was never the motivation that was going to get us there.

365 days.

Whether you start January 1 or August 4, it doesn’t matter. The same number of days make a year.

I drop the weight of regrets as soon as they take hold.

• The fact that I could have fifteen years of blogging under my belt if I had stuck with it in 2009? Buh-bye! Dropped.

• The fact that I could be in tip top physical condition if I had been working out regularly for the past year. See ‘ya later! Dropped.

And I don’t use New Year like a crowbar to force my motivation into position temporarily.

True Change Starts with THIS

I’m not going to use the whole newsletter to talk smack about resolutions. Instead, I’m going to focus on the 8% of people who bring their resolutions into the homestretch. How do they do it?

I’m going to argue that these people do not “set” New Year’s resolutions. They frequently reaffirm their commitment to something they’ve already sold their mind on achieving.

If you are a setter of resolutions, I offer this one piece of advice: Think about the ways you will connect (and reconnect) to your commitment and know how you will defeat challenges before they arrive.

You will be challenged; there is no doubt about that. Things won’t go as planned. To reiterate last week’s newsletter - your goal is simply to not give up.

I have a challenge for you . . . don’t set a resolution this year. Don’t even set a goal. Instead, commit to a mindset shift this year.

CONNECT focuses on your mindset and how it, and not outside circumstances, largely determines whether you succeed or fail. Upwards of 50% of success is influenced by mindset, because your mindset influences your motivation levels, resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance.

If your mindset is not right you will not succeed.

How to Shift Your Mindset

Self-awareness. Self-awareness is always the first step, y’all, and with good reason. Interesting tidbit: 95% of people believe they are self-aware. But, only 10%-15% actually are self-aware. Be aware that your current mindset needs to change. Observe how it is keeping you from committing to the things you want to accomplish. What exactly needs to change?

Value-focused. An apparent need for a mindset shift likely signals that your current mindset is not aligned to your values. Revisit what you value and ask, “How will a shift in my mindset sync up with my values?”

Embrace challenges. Accept the fact that challenges, small and large, will present themselves. Don’t be surprised when they crop up. Don’t be tempted to abandon your commitment. Forge ahead and don’t give up. You have the ability to solve complex problems.

Self-talk. Be aware of your self-talk. This ties into your level of self-awareness. Review those statistics above and just tell yourself that you are not in tune with your self-talk.

Networks. Form a network of people and other resources that support your efforts. Perseverance is key. Don’t blanketly say, “I don’t have any support.” There is support all around you. There is FREE support all around you. Tell your brain that you know there is support available and program it to search for solutions.

I’m not denying that outside forces can support our efforts or create resistance, but your mindset advises you on how to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities.

Throughout this mind shift process you are conditioning yourself towards self trust.

So, how will you shift your mindset this year to live life on your terms? Please, share it with me.

In 365 days, let’s reconnect to talk about how your mindset shift has changed your life.

Sending you all Peace, Love, & Harmony.

Do You Need Help Tapping Into Your Potential?

Are you struggling to meet your goals and wish you had support? Have you ever considered working with a coach? You may not know what a coach does.

One-on-One Coaching:

• You and I develop an individualized plan targeting your specific goals

• You receive individualized support from me

• Answers to your specific questions

• Guidance on your specific issues and blocks

• Accessibility to me outside coaching sessions for added support (individual texts and emails to check in)

• Your plan leads to learning how your personal growth is in your control

Are you ready to take action but are at a loss on what step to take next? 

I can teach you how to get started and accelerate your growth by using repeatable methods. Need the tools? I’ve got them. The goal is always to make you independent. I should be working myself out of a job. Once you take off, you may want to have a session from time to time, especially if you are scaling your goals. A good coach teaches you how to stand on your own two feet. Contact me today. Are you ready to CONNECT?