Usually around this time of year, a lot of my coaching clients start making their New Year’s Resolutions. I find all of the *usual suspects* on their resolution lists….you know the ones: lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, drink less, make more money, etc. The list goes on and on.
And, we know what typically happens in January! Everyone is so totally focused on their resolutions! We are going to the gym daily, eating nothing but fruits & vegetables, drinking water by the gallon….and then all of a sudden February arrives and BAM! Many of us hit a brick wall. Our resolutions go to the way side. And we end up feeling like big, fat failures!
It doesn’t have to be like this!
Today I wanted to talk about NOT Making resolutions this year, but instead creating Life Shifts. You see, resolutions are typically short term chores, or projects. And we pile so many of them on ourselves in January that there is no way we are going to be able to accomplish all of them!
Life shifts, however, are long term commitments that we make to and for ourselves.
Take a look at the list below to see the difference between the two.
Resolution
- I am going to lose 30 lbs by March
- I will go to the gym everyday to get in shape
- I am not going to ever eat junk food or fast food
- I am going to be SUPERWOMAN and have a successful career AND a wonderful home life with my spouse and children
Life Shift
- I want to live a healthier lifestyle and be comfortable with my weight
- I am going to make exercising a part of my overall plan to be healthy
- I am going to make positive choices when it comes to my eating habits
- I am going to create a healthy balance between my personal life and my professional life
You see, Life Shifts are attainable. With Life shifts you are not setting such high unachievable goals, instead you are making small shifts in your life that will have huge impacts!
The other great thing about life shifts is that you don’t have to wait until January to start! You can create life shifts at any time!
Also, here are some suggestions on how you can keep on track throughout the year with your life shifts!
- Write your life shifts down on paper, journal about your progress and the steps you are taking to make these lift shifts. List your accomplishments as well as areas where you are having challenges.
- Reaffirm your life shifts to yourself. Speak in the present, like you have already accomplished these life shifts. For example, “I am someone who exercises on a regular basis to ensure that I have a healthy body”
- Get support – hire a life coach, enlist the help of a close friend, or join a program that will help support your life shifts and hold you accountable (IE Weight Watchers, etc).
- Make a vision board – what does your life look like when you make these life shifts?
Guest Blogger: Leah Turner
email: Leah@CreatingYourMasterpiece.com
website: CreatingYourMasterpiece.com
407.709.6816
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is the best information! I love the phrase Life Shifts – it’s positive as well as uplifting and your suggestions for “doability” are so beneficial! Thank you!
Thank you Debbie!! I appreciate your feedback! I learned (the hard way) a long time ago that resolutions don’t work….after many, many failed attempts:-)
Have a wonderful holiday season!