Ah, it's that time of year again...
Celebrations, family, joy, food, giving, and New Years resolutions. Yes, the dreaded New Years resolution (or much anticipated for a small few).
There are many that claim these resolutions are doomed from the start, and in reality most resolutions never see the bright red hearts of February.
But is it really that we can't keep resolutions, impossible even?
Call me an optimist, by I say no. I say that it's entirely possible...
If you're prepared.
So, what can you do to prepare for 2013?
Start with the end in mind
Most resolutions fail because they are simply not created with any kind of staying power. So, you've been a smoker for twenty years, but you think you're going to quit cold turkey and succeed? It's certainly possible, but the statistics are weighing heavily against you.
Instead, decide that you will be 100% smoke-free by December 31st. Smoke a pack a day? Decide that you will be down to half a pack by June 30th. And so on and so on. Yes, it make take you an entire year to quit, but isn't that still faster than waiting for another New Years to roll around?
Instead of starting the year off with lofty goals, that even you admit are unlikely, start with a plan. Decide when you want your goal to be completed by, write it down, and mark off a half-way point as well. This will give you some freedom with your goals, enough time to correct should you get off track, and it sets the stage for making lasting habit changes in your life.
Make a list
Start with a big list, with no rules save one, they should all be something that you absolutely want to do. No making resolutions just because everyone else is. No deciding to do things you know you absolutely won't do.
You can include big things, and little things, job things, and home things. Whatever, as long as you want it enough to work for it.
Not a list maker? Go ahead and try it anyway. What you're doing isn't working, right? Time to try something new.
Ditch that all or nothing thinking
You're going to falter at some point (or several). You're going to fall off the wagon. But you just gotta get back on and hold on a little tighter. Life isn't a football game or a game show. Losing weight or quitting cigarettes is not a pass/ fail, win/lose scenario. As long as you're making even teeny, tiny steps toward your goal, you're winning.
This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Too many of us think that the road to success is a straight shot, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In reality the road to success looks more like a bowl of spaghetti, twisting and turning, even curling back in on itself, with a few misleading straight shots in between.
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The Road to Success[/caption]Have fun
If it's not fun, you're doing it wrong. Even the most painful, boring, or loathesome of tasks can be made fun. If you're trying to lose 30lbs, but the thought of hitting the treadmill again makes you want to cry, then don't! Go outside, play a game, take a hike. Turn up the stereo, grab a kitchen spoon, and make like Mick Jagger. If you can find a way to make things fun, you'll keep doing them.
Now I have a favor to ask you.
Part of my 2013 bucket list includes a lot of changes to Un-Copied Life, including some freebies (one of which you'll get to see before the end of 2012!), an e-course, and more!
All, I need you to do is tell me what topics you'd be most interested in. You can do so by filling out this survey. It's quick (only 7 questions!) and your information will not be shared with anyone. The information will be used only to help me get a better idea of the types of things you'd be most interested in seeing on the blog in the coming year.
Please note that all questions are required to be answered before you can proceed to the next page. If you absolutely can not think of an answer to the question, simply enter n/a into the box.
Thank you so much for all the support you have shown me this year. Here's to making 2013 a bang from beginning to end!
Click here to take the survey.
What's on your 2013 bucket list? Share in the comments below.
Image 1 courtesy of Lori Ann
