Wouldn’t you like a do-over sometimes? Every January 1st, we get a chance at a fresh start. Sure, it’s not completely fresh. Some things will usually have to continue. But still… it gives us a strong sense that we can do better than last year, and we’re motivated to go for it. And that’s of course where the concept of New Year’s Resolutions comes in.
We like the idea of having learned from our “mistakes” or real or perceived shortcomings. So whether we think we’re too fat or too poor or otherwise plagued by bad habits, the new year is a time of renewed hope and focus.
So we resolve to make more money, be on time, keep our homes tidy, lose a whole lot of weight, stop drinking, smoking, drinking soft drinks, or whatever the case may be.
Unfortunately, we generally get carried away by our enthusiasm and resolve to do a lot more than most people can handle all at once, and the next thing that happens is that we find ourselves feeling like failures as all those glowing resolutions fall by the wayside.
And that’s a bad way to get started in a new year, isn’t it?
So what should we do instead?
For starters, how about getting better tools?
Most of us try to do it all with willpower — after all, that”s the old-fashioned way. We’ve been brought up with the admonition that willpower will do the trick. It goes well with the idea that if it tastes bad it must be good medicine.
Well… we’ve learned the hard way that things don’t really work that way.
As it turns out, some medicine can be very tasty. In fact, we have recently discovered that chocolate — and coffee — are full of antioxidants of the most beneficial variety. And things that don’t taste good sometimes aren’t good for us. Even when it comes to sports, pain isn’t necessarily the path to gain either.
And when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions, we should keep in mind that we’re generally far more motivated by pleasure than by pain. Also, it’s more fun that way too.
So why not take advantage of that?
Here’s what to do instead of the old self-bullying approach to New Year’s Resolutions:
Take some time out to discover what you really want to achieve.
Give yourself reasons WHY you want to achieve it. Make those reasons come to life.
If you want to make more money, don’t just think about getting your creditors off your back but think about the pleasurable things you’ll be able to do with that new money.
If you want to lose weight, think about how good it will feel to live inside your newly slimmer and more energetic body. Think about dancing, going for walks, engaging in other pleasurable activities. Think about shopping for clothes and enjoying the complimentary looks you’ll be getting.