New Year = Now What?

Sometimes, people get lost in the holidays and don’t recover from them financially or physically until sometime in February or March!  The combination of overindulging with food and drink with family and friends leaves people feeling fat and spending more than they wanted to on gifts, holiday travel, etc. may leave many feeling broke.  Then, we add stress by making resolutions during this chaotic time instead of waiting until the chaos has passed to start fresh.  Trying to enforce progress when you are experiencing regress will not result in success.  Don’t pressure yourself to achieve all you want to accomplish this year into the first few months.  Give yourself time to catch up if you need to.  You can begin making and executing your plans but be sure not to use time as an allowance for procrastination.  This is just one area where nudge can help!

On a personal note, I like to think of the first day of spring as my New Year.  My birthday is the second day of the season which helps.  I use December and January to really set my goals for I want to do for the upcoming year and start nudging myself into the right direction.  That way, when my New Year comes along, I'm already successfully implementing many things that will help me get even closer to achieving my goals.  Realistically, New Year's resolutions should be made in October or November so that come January, you're already implementing your plan, not just starting to create it.

Get in Gear for the New Year

Once we get over the hurdles of Christmas, the focus moves into New Year’s celebrations.  New Year’s is not an excuse to drink excessively and kiss a bunch of random strangers when the clock tolls Midnight.  It’s a lovely day to reflect on the previous year and toast how you'll carry success forward into the new year. 

This coming year, we’re fortunate to not only be ending a year but also ending decade.   I was incorrect earlier when I said 2010 was the beginning of a new decade.  

Set a Successful Resolution Before the New Year

I have never been a big fan of New Year's Resolutions. I guess this is because most people don't keep them and I like to see people progress. In fact, 80% of resolutions aren't even followed by January 31st. "What prohibits people like me from maintaining a resolution?" you may ask. It could be a few things such as:

Your resolution is not specific. "I'm going to work out more" is not a specific goal if you're desiring to be in shape for spring break, yet you only going to start hitting the gym January 4th and spring break vacation is in March. Breaking down this resolution into a few easy steps can really keep you on track. For example: "I'm going to go to the gym at least four days a week and drink protein shakes instead of weeknight beers to get in shape for my spring break trip" is a more specific goal to set for yourself.

You're resolution isn't attainable and you know it. "I'm going to work out more" isn't attainable if you don't have a gym membership or know you're going to be working long hours the next few months, which will prohibit you from working out. You're blocking yourself from success because as you know, we're our own worst enemy. Discovering ways you can work out more regardless of your situation and uncovering your motivations for why you want to work out more can help you achieve your resolution.

Making sure your resolution is on a timeline, that your resolution can be monitored and is focused on an outcome are other keys to a successful resolution.

Nudge coaching can help you set and achieve your resolutions (and more!) throughout 2010.