Your Road Map to Success (Plus A Sneak Peek At What's Coming Soon)

It's a new year, and whether you've made a resolution or not, I know you have some things you'd really like to accomplish this year. Maybe this is the year you're hoping to fit into those skinny jeans again or maybe you really want to find a new job. Maybe you'll be planning a wedding like I will be.

Or hey, maybe you just want to remember what your house looks like clean. (Been there!)

Whatever it is that you'll be working toward this year, there are a few common hangups that can turn your road to success into a road to nowhere.

Here's how to ensure you make it to your desired destination:

1. Check your luggage.

We all have attachments — to things we like, to things we don't like and attachments to ideas, thoughts, actions, and beliefs. But rather than carry them around like a badge of honor, check them. Like a coat at a fancy party. Or a piece of luggage too large to carry on. Rather than lugging a suitcase around all night, stow the bugger away and move on.

Take notice of things that give you pause or make you second-guess yourself:

• Words like can't, won't, too hard, too long, I don't know


• Wishing things were different


• Fear of the unknown


• "shoulds and have to's"


• Pleasing others


• Not wanting to do something for yourself

If you need them, you can always get them back, but enjoy some time without the weight of them weighing you down. You'll never guess where you might end up!

2. Know where you're coming from

In order to not get all tripped up this time, you need to know what tripped you up the last time. Banana peels, trip wires, booby traps... only you know what yours are.

Spend time getting to know them.

• What makes you give in to unhelpful desires?


• What makes you disregard or ignore goals you've set for yourself?


• What keeps you from getting back up when you fall down?


• What are things that come up repeatedly?

Success is knowing what  doesn't work as well as what does.

3. Know where you are at all times.

If you don't know where you're at, how do you know you aren't indeed lost? Or walking in a circle for the fifteenth time?

• Be aware of your emotions, resistances, and desires


• When you feel these things, try to figure out why you feel them


• Stop and correct course if needed


• Don't be afraid to change things up

Don't go overboard with it, but always have a general idea of where you're at in whatever it is that you're working on.

4. Have fun

What good is a journey if it isn't fun? Find a way to turn it into a game or challenge. Join up with someone who can make you laugh. It doesn't matter, just have fun with it!

If you can find a way to enjoy the not so great tasks in life, imagine what you can do with the already fun parts?

Now for the Sneak Peek!

Last week, I told you there would be several surprises to come in 2013, and I'm busy scribbling away at one of the first that will be released this year.

This first surprise is called 52 Little Ways and will come to you in the form of a book. I don't want to reveal too much just yet, but it's going to be a wonderful little inspirational tool that you can come back to over and over.

I will reveal more information about 52 Little Ways as the month presses on, but if you want to guarantee that you're in the loop, make sure you're subscribed by filling out that little form over there on the right (subscribers also get a free copy of Mindful You: Beginners Guide + Workbook).

Next week, I'll share with my subscribers how they can try to snag a free copy of 52 Little Ways for themselves. Please note, this will not be shared on the blog, so if you're interested, make sure you subscribe!

Until then, I hope you're new year is starting off great!

Image courtesy of Moyan Brenn

Make 2013 A Bang From Beginning To End

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.

[caption id="attachment_569" align="aligncenter" width="553"] 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