So you blew it. It’s not even February and you’re back to your old ways. You were certain that things were going to change. This year would be different – you were going to actually keep your resolutions . . . but alas, you were wrong and now you feel like just another failure to add to the statistics. Not only are you no better off than you were 30 days ago, you’re discouraged and frustrated. Stop right there! That’s enough of this type of thinking. It’s too early for this year to be a total wash. There’s still hope.
Here are 6 things to remember as you look past the opening weeks of this year:
1. It’s not a huge failure.
So you missed more days at the gym than you actually worked out. Maybe you couldn’t quite kick that habit. You fell off the horse. Don’t stay in the dirt. Get up, brush yourself off and saddle up again. You’ve only failed if you’ve stopped trying.
2. Make today the first day of the rest of the year.
Re-establish your resolve to reach your goals – starting today. Do this daily if needed, but never give up.
3. Identify the roadblocks that have kept you from meeting your goals.
Reflect on the past month and determine the patterns and behaviors (and yes, relationships) that have thwarted your success. Develop a plan that accounts for these roadblocks. Set yourself up for success.
4. Set more attainable goals.
Did you find that one or more of your goals was just a little too far out of reach? Maybe you planned on having washboard abs by the spring, but prior to the New Year, you had never done a sit-up in your life. Make adjustments, if necessary, and give it another try. Your success may be closer than you know.
5. View the first days of the year as a trial run for the rest of the year.
Don’t view January as a failure, it was just practice. You’re better prepared to meet your goals now.
6. Keep your resolve to continue setting resolutions.
The old adage says, “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Your failures should never limit your successes. Don’t put yourself in that box – and don’t let others do it either!
Make this the best year ever. You can’t control most of what happens in life, but you can always control how you respond. Don’t let perceived failures keep you from becoming new and improved. January’s statistics should not limit your successes for the rest of the year; so, choose to keep a positive perspective, resolve to never give up, and have a great year!
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