It’s almost 2018, peeps! In the words of my six year old this morning “Who cares?!?” 🤣 Still, a new year always feels like a good time for a fresh start, which is something we all need now and then. The problem is that 80% of us give up our New Year’s Resolutions by February! 😳 Since this is obviously an issue, when I got this idea from my health coaching school, I wanted to share it with you guys.
“The thing about a resolution is that it implies there is a problem to begin with. Why start the New Year from a problem place? Doesn’t starting 2018 from a solution place feel much better?”
Think about it, what kind of thoughts are connected with your goals for 2018?
“This is the year I’m going to get off my butt and finally get in shape.”
“No more laziness. I’m going to kick this habit if if kills me.”
“Nothing but salad for me until I meet my goal weight!”
Whoa, Nelly! I can feel my throat tensing up just typing those resolutions! And I made them up! 😜
Doesn’t it seem like our culture sees self deprivation and punishment as a badge of honor? The truth is, our brains are wonderfully designed to protect us. When we start saying we are going to make these big changes and it’s going to be hard but freaking awesome, our subconscious mind does not agree. The subconscious mind says “Too much change! Not safe!😱” Consequently, it will take over and foil all your conscious mind’s plans quicker than you can say Cheesecake Factory.
So how can we choose words that won’t force our subconscious to go all prison warden on us? Instead of making a New Year’s Resolution (which I never do anyways, ha!), try designing a mantra or motto that reflects the life you are creating for yourself.
First, think of the results you want. Visualize what will your life look like in 6 months. See yourself there. What problems are solved? How do you feel? (While you are in this moment, it may help to write down all that goodness you are feeling and seeing.)
Next, brainstorm what motto you see your future self is living by. For the person working on fitness it could be “Moving daily brings strength and energy”. For overcoming a compulsive habit, “I have everything I need”. These are just some ideas. Only you know what words align with your truest self.
Once you have your mantra, write it down or use an app like Word Swag to make a graphic of it. Make it your screen saver, or print it out and put it on your mirror. The definition of a mantra (other than the religious kind) is “a statement or slogan repeated frequently”. Most of all, don’t just tuck in a drawer and forget about it! Live it! 👊
TIP: Remember to always state your goals as though you are already there. No “I will” stuff. And part of you already IS there. It’s inside of you, just waiting to come out.
Did you design a mantra for 2018? Share it with us, won’t you? I can’t wait to see what amazingness is in store for you! 🎉
I love this, Jennifer! I am big on monthly goals instead of one big “resolution” and I think adding a mantra for the year would be wonderful! I’ll be thinking about this today. Thank you!!
Monthly goals are such a great idea! I loved your blog post about it. Building habits little by little is definitely more sustainable. Thanks for the comment! <3
Thanks for sharing this post as it stands out from the norm of having new year resolutions. What I am doing this year is to set monthly goals that I will further break down to daily tasks. I am sure to keep working by using your mantra (call that stealing 😄) because I procrastinate a lot 😦
Procrastinators unite! 😀 Love the monthly goal idea. Thanks for the comment! <3
That’s a good mantra, Jennifer. As Elizabeth Gilbert says (paraphrased by me) inspiration can be a fickle thing. The muse can come at the most inopportune time. If we don’t catch it and act on it, it’ll pass us by. I have chosen 3 focus words (Trust, Growth and Abundance) that represent what I want 2018 to be. So, yes they will be my mantras. Happy New Year to you.
Love your focus words! <3 So true, inspiration passes quickly if we don't catch it. I always think I will remember my ideas but if I don't write them down immediately they are gone! Have a wonderful 2018, Herlina. Thank for the comment.
Lovely tips ….I shall definitely consider these tips trying to actually implement them 😃
Thanks for sharing !!
Thank you for the comment! 🙂