"One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." -Oliver Wendell Holmes

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Thinking About 2011

With the new year upon us I have started thinking about my goals for 2011. Instead of resolutions I like to set goals instead. I think resolutions are too vague, are too easy to abandon, and create disappointment when you don't do what you set out to resolve. Whereas goals are more specific, are easier to work towards in small steps, and give you a sense of accomplishment as you follow through on your action plan. Here is an example of the difference between a resolution and a goal:

Resolution: Lose Weight
Action Plan: Join a gym, eat better
This is too vague! How much weight do you want to lose? What are you going to do at the gym? What are you going to do differently in your diet? What happens if you can't make it to the gym or you don't have time to eat healthy? This scenario creates too much room for disappointment when you do not see results.

Goal: Lose 20 pounds
Action Plan: Take 1-2 aerobics classes, sign up for a personal training session, take a yoga class, talk to a hynotherapist about weight loss, walk for 10 minutes during lunch break for a month, drink 8 glasses of water per day; eat salad 2 lunches per week
This is specific, and gives you concrete plans to take the weight off! You will feel good as you follow through on your action plan and should start to see results.

With all that said, I read an awesome article today, Resolution Revolution: A Better Way to Start Your Year by Christine Kane, that has me inspired to tweak my approach a bit. Kane suggests that we pick a theme word to guide us through the year... "Then, hold that word in your mind throughout the year, and let your word guide you to take action." For example, instead of setting a resolution of 'Get organized' you might choose a word such as 'Release.' Then throughout the year you remind yourself of your word and see what action that word takes in your life.

I have decided to set both goals and pick a theme word which I will write an affirmation around. I so excited to see how 2011 unfolds! What are your plans for the new year?

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