If you have the over-achiever gene like I do, taking small steps can be challenging. I wanted to dive in to any goal and do the best, be the best, accomplish the goal ahead of schedule, and show that I can conquer the quest.
Then what? Well, then I would start looking for the next thing to fulfill my time, and get the pats on the back, the high-fives, and way-to-goes.
What I have learned, is that while going for the gold, I didn't enjoy the journey. Taking small steps can help us to look around and enjoy the view, the people, the details. While when we leap over the tall buildings in a single bound, we miss the beauty of the designs, the people walking and talking around us; everything is a blur. Sometimes, when we dive in too fast, we crash and burn, which is why a lot of resolutions stay unresolved. We take on challenges that are too big to keep up with and we get discouraged, feel like we failed, then we give up and surrender only to settle back into what we were trying to get away from in the first place.
I am sure you heard that slow and steady wins the race. This can be so true. Now that I am running, I understand it even more. Some may disagree and that is fine; this is from my perspective. When I want to finish a run fast and I start off fast, not only do I lose energy, but I barely make it to finish. However, when I slow my pace for the first half of my run, I am able to finish the second half stronger and in faster time.
What is it that you are looking to change? The top 10 resolutions are get organized; help others; learn something new; get out of debt; more time with family; exercise; lose weight; quit smoking; quit drinking; enjoy life more. Whichever you choose, start small and take it one day at a time. Be sure not to lose the focus. Press on toward the goal. We want the goal to be accomplished within the first month, when it is a new YEAR resolution. You have 365 days to work on it, not 30. Break your goals down into something that you can do within the next year. How do you do that? It can be easy.
Let's take dieting or healthy eating as an example. I know it didn't seem to make the top 10, but let's face it, we've thought about it. As we were chomping on the cookies, chocolates, and egg nog, and feeling the effects of sleepiness and clothes getting tighter, the thought went to after the first of the year, I am going to eat better. We want to dump the carbs, dump the sugar, buy a juicer, and vow never to eat anything bad again. I counsel people when I am training them on nutrition and would never tell someone to dump it all on the first day. Small changes, one day at a time, will make big changes for them. Yes, I give them a shopping list of items and examples of meal plans, but I don't expect them to follow it to the letter their first week. (Unless they are an over-achiever, of course). I ask them to journal so that we can see where their habits are and praise them on the small changes and conscious choices they may have made through the week. Even if it is something as simple as changing to alternate water after every other soda - it is better than drinking nothing but soda. They will continually cut back the soda until all they want is the water.
Whatever your resolution, goal or vision is for this year, don't lose sight of it. Write it down, focus, and press on step by step. Believe you can and you will be able to accomplish anything!
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