Speaker, Trainer, Troubadour, AuthorKim RatzHelping people create more harmony
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(Previous Free e-Newz issues: Click Here) Live&WorkWisefrom Kim Ratz, Speaker-Trainer-Troubadour, January, 2014 Thoughts to Help You Live & WorkWise:The Difference Between "Making Resolutions" and "Changing Habits" Which of these groups describe you?
Here's what's puzzling: Who doesn't wish that some-thing in their life was different/"better" in some way, and why don't more people make resolutions, especially if it increases their chances of success 10-fold? One frequent problem is that changing a habit takes moreÊpatience & persistence than many people are willing to give. For examples:
So in both cases: be realistic & persistent, or even 30 days may seem like too long to wait, and you may deny yourself the chance to realize what you otherwise could if you try. Another mistake people often make is they forget that making the resolution is only a first step; the important thing is what you actually DO to change a habit. So have an "honest conversation with yourself" about your own dreams, and if your thoughts stir some excitement and call for action, I've also added one simple tip to help make efforts more do-able & motivating. Remember: for this technique to work you must pay attention to your first response to a question and be honest with yourself, as this is your "Truth" -- based on your values & beliefs. Also: Don't re-ask a question to come up with a different response because then you're "rationalizing," and that's not in your best interests either ... Okay - here you go: What specific behavior do you wish to start, stop or change?
Planning tip: Once your resolution/goal is developed, circle the date 30 days from that day. Give thought to how to celebrate or reward yourself when you succeed in the behavior change. Look at that date every morning and remind yourself you are one day closer than the day before, and keep taking it one day at a time. For an "external goal," if you've been diligent you should be able to sense success, or at least progress & momentum and see what "success" looks like even more clearly than before. So celebrate your success/progress, recommit to sustain your gain, then consider what you need to do next! Here is more information from the Univ. of Scranton study you might find interesting: Top 10 Resolutions for 2014:
Type of Resolutions (percent above 100% because of multiple resolutions:
Age Success Rates:
Length of Resolution:
Several reasons people don't succeed re: New Year's Resolutions are highlighted in an interesting article I read by Brian Krans, in which he explained it's really hard for a lot of people to go from the relative "lack of restraint" during the holidays to suddenly becoming a "new person" on January 1. He cites Dr. Coral Arvon, director of behavioral health & wellness at Pritkin Longevity Center & Spa, who offers these tips to help increase your chances of success even further:
I hope these ideas are helpful to you in your quest for whatever change or new situation you seek, and wish you success! Quotes related to Resolutions for the days ahead ... Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle. Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits. New Year's Day is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. - Mark Twain Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. A New Year's Resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. Be at war with your vices; at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions! I'm a little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little bit rounder, but still none the wiser. Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right. - Oprah Winfrey May 2014 bring you: 12 months of Happiness, 52 weeks of Fun, 365 days of Success, 8760 hours of Good Health, 52,600 minutes of Good Luck, and 3,153,600 seconds of Joy. I specialize in helping people create more harmony in their own life, and in their relationships with others. It's about being Congruent and making good Choices -- by aligning your Attitudes, Aptitudes & Actions -- so that at days end you feel content with your choices, and not regret. This content is applied to outcomes including: Personal Excellence, Communication & Relationship Skills, Teamwork, Customer Service & Leadership. I do this through keynotes and workshops that inspire hope, help people improve their skills to cope with change, challenge and conflict, and original music, stories and humor to induce some fun along the way. When you need a presenter who shares content, energy and inspiration, |
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