Who here has ever set new years resolutions?
Of course you have, right? New years resolutions have become the popular thing to do at the beginning of the year. They’re discussed on television, in emails, on blogs, etc. We are told that we must make those resolutions in order to lose weight, eat better, exercise more, as though we can’t control ourselves without them.
The new year is also a time to reflect on the past and think about how we are going to move forward in the future. For me, the past year has been a time of great change. I have had health crises in my family, changes with work, new roles, much introspection, life and death. I have reexamined my goals and priorities, as many people do this time of year. With all of that, I am hopeful to see what this year will bring.
However, I don’t believe in resolutions. A quick Google search reveals that most resolutions fail. People will start off strong but tend to lose motivation or interest after a couple of months. They simply fall back into the same habits they always had and nothing changes. Any of this sound familiar?
The alternative to new years resolutions
Instead of new years resolutions, what I believe in is goal-setting and visualization, with a plan in place to achieve that goal. If you write down what you want, you’re more likely to get it. Even better is to create a vision board like this. A vision board can be a powerful device to allow the subconscious mind to communicate with the conscious mind. Just like the Field of Dreams quote “if you build it, he will come,” if you visualize it, it will happen.
Too often you have too much noise in your conscious mind, both internal and external, saying that you can’t do something. It goes something like this: I want to lose 20 pounds, but I couldn’t do it last year and I can’t give up ice cream and I don’t have time to cook healthy food for myself and I’ll just go through the drive thru this once and, and, but, but…aaaahhh!
The conscious mind always comes up with stories for not doing something, which often leads to failure. Sometimes you just need to stop listening to all of that chaotic noise and follow your subconscious mind that knows you can achieve what you want.
As an example, I made a vision board a while ago with my girlfriends before career and family came along, and everything on my board came true. Honestly, I didn’t consciously think too much about what was on my board. I would glance at it now and then, but usually went about my life as usual.
So what was going on there? Not to be too “woo-woo,” but when I put my desires out in the universe, they actually happened. My subconscious brain never forgot what was on that board and guided me in my life decisions. All I had to do was stop the excuses of what I couldn’t do and just go for it.
You can do that too mama. You have the power to create a life that you love, without new years resolutions. It’s not always easy and it takes time, but it is possible.
As I write this, I realize that I need to create a new board for my current stage of life to reflect my new goals and desires. This year my family and I have written down everything we want to achieve this year, even my girls. Their lists are a little simpler than mine and my husband’s, but no less important.
Our lists range from playing more golf and going ziplining to potential new career opportunities. I hope that by putting our thoughts on paper, we will be more likely to work towards them, both consciously and subconsciously.
I want my girls to realize that no idea is too silly or out there. In a world full of “you can’t,” they have the power to say “yes I can.” Which is true for you, as well. As you cross items off of your own list, you will realize that you are capable of many wonderful things.
“The time for action is now. It’s never too late to do something”
-Antione de Saint-Exupery” (Those who took French as I did might remember this quote from the classic book “Le Petit Prince”)
