The “NO Resolution” SOLUTION: You Want It? Make it Happen!

It’s January, a fresh start, and nothing symbolizes the significance of a “fresh” perspective like the common practice of making New Year’s resolutions. We all make them, of course, but the unfortunate truth is that most of us seldom find success, reminding me of a story:  

       Two friends are chatting about their diets. The first one says, “I want to be healthy and feel great.” The second one says, “I intend to be healthy and feel great.” Which one do you think is going to get healthy and feel great? Yep, the one that intends it.

       To want, or desire, is simply wishing one can have something or do a particular thing. Intention implies that an individual is committed to achieving something by making a plan for success—and sticking to it.

       The key component of intention is action, and this is precisely how a health coach, like me, helps an individual achieve his or her targeted health and life goals.

Here are a few helpful tips to strengthen the “muscles” of intention:

•     Be very clear on the desired goal. Create a vision board by gathering images and words that define the desired goals. Then, glue the pieces onto a large piece of construction paper. Hang the collage in a spot where it can easily, and often, be seen, serving as a reminder. Creating a digital vision board is another alternative, as well.

•     Do something to kick desire into action. Let’s say an individual wants to eat four servings of vegetables a day. The first action step may be to go to a farmers’ market and purchase a few veggies to cook for dinner.

•     Celebrate achievements … no matter the perceived significance; and, moreover, don’t forget to congratulate one’s self for meeting, or achieving, targeted goals.      

It is also vitally important to understand how to have a great day … every day. Rather than just relying on “hope” to achieve the day’s goals, adopt a new, proven strategy to produce favorable results. Dr. Wayne Dyer, in his book The Power of Intention reveals a concept used by many professional athletes, speakers, politicians and performers today called “setting an intention to succeed.”

The essence of the strategic steps is as follows:

•     Upon waking, lie in bed and think about the activities planned for the day.

•     Think about the desired outcome. Take a deep breath and visualize what success looks like, and determine that it will be achieved without fail.

•     Next, add to this vivid imagery other stimulating senses and nuances, such as sounds, smells and even perceived emotions. Paint a mental “picture” of what accomplishing the goal, or completing the task, looks like; for instance, hitting the “send” button on a pending assignment now finished. 

•     Lastly, this visual “snapshot” of success should be played over and over in the mind to deepen resolve and increase the probability of attainment. An individual should, seemingly, feel the elation of achievement.

Goals can be difficult to achieve; however, the solution is NOT to create another “resolution,” but to initiate a “revolution” of the will and intend to make success happen … no matter what!

For more information on successful planning and winning strategies, call Dr. Michele Reid at 803-200-1158. See ad, page 32