Winter’s Promise- How To Set, Meet and Keep Your New Years Resolution.
Here it is the early mid winter. We’ve set our goals for the New Year, our minds are gently (or maybe frantically) whirring as we think about how we are going to accomplish our desires for 2018. The alarm goes off early, the dark is not nearly as cozy as the warmth under the covers. How do we stay focused and committed to our goals? What do we do to keep the desires burning within our hearts?
I use the winter days to hold steady to the promises of the New Year. The ones that were whispered into my heart in late December and early January. I hold them tightly and let them rest in my soul. I get to know them and let them marinate. Eventually though, we have to take action. We have to risk.
Last week my brother challenged me to write an annual mission statement and imperatives. I have to admit, I have never written one for any of my personal goals. So I spent one afternoon, while the kids were playing in the Colorado sunshine, pressing in, writing, scratching out, thinking deeply and letting my words take on a meaning of their own. I started with the imperatives first (the constants or the non-negotiables of my behaviors), then I wrote the mission statement (the I wills and how I’ll get there in a few sentences). It was such a genuinely lovely personal goal setting session. Perhaps this is how you begin too. There is a proven power in this process. Go do it. Start there in the quiet of your New Year’s winter. Write. It. Down. Use whatever tool you like. Here’s what I use and I’m able to mentally carve out the space I need to help my dreams become reality.
The next step for me is to read. Find a book that helps your mind, soul and action connect together in a meaningful way.
I’m sure you’ve heard of the following book, Mindset by Carol Dweck. It’s a beautiful piece of writing that teaches us how to expand our viewpoint and not become too fixed on a particular mindset or way of thinking. Her work has helped me completely shift my approach to new things. A book that I’m beginning is called Grit. Similiar to Mindset, it about sticking with our goals and persevering. Notice I didn’t say books, I said book. Just one. Something to start with. I have a horrible habit of spending a small fortune at the book store, getting a huge stack of turn-my-life-around books and honestly I will read one maybe two of them. So I’ve learned, just read one book at time. When I read life improvement books, I commit to literally study them. What do you need to do to get every ounce of worth out of what you’re reading? Better yet, what are you reading?
Now onto what some may say can be the hardest part, surround yourself with people who speak life and meaning into you. I am deeply fortunate to work during the day at a place I love. I am surrounded by co workers who appreciate and celebrate my gifts. This hasn’t always been the case for me so now that I have it, I protect it and challenge people to go find it. Look for it in a hobby, a book club, a friend, or a support group. I’m in a season of life right now that makes a weekly group commitment unrealistic. But I have a core group of ladies who I meet with monthly. We get together and simply share a meal. I can’t wait to outline what meal group has been in my life and what I’m learning amongst my friends. You need something too. A place where you can go and just be you, not your job title, or someone’s spouse or someone’s mom…just unalterable you.
Learn what you can about why this goal and the work you are doing is important. I love knowing that if I follow a certain set of criteria my chances of success are higher. I’ve spent hours growing my knowledge about blogging, building a site, instagram feed and having a Pinterest platform. Those four things aren’t going to do themselves so I have to be willing to invest the time and learn about them. All I’m spending to do this is time. I was reminded recently that I’m not trying to boil the ocean, I’m only working to boil one pot at time. This is when your imperatives come in really handy. If you have your non-negotiable actions outlined, laying out these steps increases your likelihood of success.
Mr. PDH reminded me yesterday that one of the biggest parts to this whole process is to set high but very attainable goals. Take some time this month friends, press in, listen to your heart and set a high achievable goal. I’m with ya, I’m sick and tired of setting goals and not achieving them. Thoughtfully set the right kind of goal for your 2018 and let’s get busy and stay committed. Because these goals can’t meet themselves!
