The First Step

Change...it's a scary word to a lot of people. Why? Because it means we have to step outside of our comfort zone. There is actually a book titled Change or Die. It's sad to say but many of us would rather die than change because it just seems to painful to make a change. We become complacent and comfortable with a routine, and even the thought of putting a fork into it can paralyze us.

Fortunately, the first step is usually the hardest along the journey. Once we can wrap our head around what it is we want/need to change, the actions steps become easier with each step. For example, I recently started running again. Initially, I had to talk myself into running. Now after two months of more consistent running, I look forward to it! It's my way to unwind from the daily stresses.

How do you get over that initial hump? Tie your goal to something bigger than yourself. Many times people will set a goal and it isn't tied to anything, so after they lose the weight for the wedding the pounds eventually stack back on.

What we have found is that if you can associate that goal to something greater than yourself, it is more likely to last. Say you want to lose weight so that you can be more active and play outside with your kids or to be a role model for them. Now you have your family to help motivate you to reach that goal and to help you stick to it.

Once you've made up your mind and found a noble cause to tie your goals to, you just have to jump in and take that leap of faith. It will get easier with each step you take.

2011--Starting Fresh

We are nearing the end of January now...so how are you doing with those New Year's Resolutions? If you're anything like the rest of Americans, you started out strong, determined to change or improve some aspect of yourself. Then comes life. We get busy with out families or with our careers, and those resolutions or goals of the new year start to get pushed aside. Now is the perfect time to sit down and analyze. Here are a few questions to ponder:

1. How have you done thus far? Don't get discouraged if your haven't obtained your goal in 3 short weeks. We need to look how far we have came and focus on that. For example, if you resolved to quit smoking, compare where you were at the end of 2010 to where you are now. Even if you are smoking just 1 cigarette less a day, that's an improvement! Don't beat yourself up if you're not completely done, just know there is still work to do.
2. What have you done to follow through with your resolution and how are these things working? Think about each step you've taken and where it's gotten you. Know that it's okay to change the plan. If there is something that doesn't seem to be working or helping, adopt a new strategy. A common definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. So you might need to change it up a little.
3. What's my plan from here? Once you've analyzed where you are at and how you've gotten there, you can now look to the future. Make small goals (daily, weekly, monthly) for the future and create an action plan to accomplish the task at hand.

Now you are ready to rock! Be proud of what you have done thus far and keep your eye on the prize.