Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

 by Donna May

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

Goethe

Every year people make lists of new year resolutions, only to fall back into their old ways within a short time. Is there one change that you would like to make that is the most important to you? Perhaps by focusing on that one change, you will be more successful in following through and making that change happen. Do you want to change a habit or addiction? Do you know in your heart that some lifestyle changes are in order? Many people want to change their weight, their exercise routines or practice meditation regularly. Your new year’s resolutions may relate to relationships, career changes or education. Whatever change you think would enhance your life, is worth considering and striving to achieve. For those of you who have tried to make these changes in the past and didn’t succeed, it may help to think of a toddler learning to walk. The baby will take a few steps and fall. The parents urge them to get up and try again. Never do adults say to the toddler, “forget it, you’ll never learn to walk, so stop trying.” No matter how many times you have tried to lose weight, quit smoking or make other changes, keep trying until you succeed.

In order for change to occur three beliefs must be in place. First, we must get to the point where we know: This must change! (Not just that it should change.) Second, This change is possible. (Don’t waste your time and energy on wishing for a change that is impossible to implement) and third, as individuals we must assume responsibility for making the change ourselves: I can change! If we fail to make a change, it is because one of those beliefs are not strong enough. Sometimes others can believe for us what we can’t believe for ourselves. A mastermind partner, counselor, therapist, life coach or some other supportive person can sometimes assist us in changing our limiting beliefs so we have the correct mind-set for change to occur.

What is it you want to change this year? Is it a behavioral change? Maybe it’s an attitudinal shift. Do you want to eliminate attitudes and beliefs that limit you? Do you have an idea that could become a business? You may want to begin a project and work on it diligently until completion. Do you want to become more prosperous? What change could make your life better? Which change could you commit to achieving this year?

Sometimes it is helpful to share what you are committed to changing with others as a way to create leverage, so that you feel more determined to take the necessary steps. Commitment to the change is essential to success. As W. J. Murray states: “Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”

So often we procrastinate about implementing something new and yet once we take the necessary steps and just start, we find it was easier than we thought. Sometimes the first step in initiating a change requires making a phone call for information We may postpone taking action because of some fear. Yet, once we have gone beyond the fear and taken the action, we find it wasn’t so bad. This is a new year and you can create a new you. Take it one step at a time and know that you can and will succeed.

Donna May MA Ed, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Stress Management, Pain Relief Specialist, practitioner of NLP, Reiki and Yuen Energetics. She utilizes spiritual principles and “A Course in Miracles” teachings. Available for classes, public presentations or private consultations. (248) 626-4859 or DonnaMay27@comcast.net.