Dying Resolutions? 5 tips to keep you going

January to me feels like one of those heavy rainy Mondays and you need to get creative to embrace its beauty!

Disclosure: I am not a great fan of mainstream resolutions but there is not much to look forward to after the festive season ends. (Unless you have a nice holiday booked ;)

Let's say that the excuse of the resolution is an opportunity to review our life, a 1-2-1 with our intentions, a feel-good painted vision of what our perfect lifestyle could be or anything that resolution may mean to you.

According to the all mighty Oxford dictionary a resolution is: "The act or of resolving", a firm decision to do or not to do something.

Whether you are implementing a healthier routine, a new habit in your lifestyle or trying to stop what does not serve you, we are dealing with changes.

We hear about intention, will power, manifestation, coaching strategies and all it can help us to achieve our resolutions and yet, according to studies only 9% of people succeed while 43% expect to fail before February.

What stops us?

I have gathered notes and observations from our workshops "2022 Reflections and 2023 Resolutions" and summarised them for you below.

1. KISS: Keep it Short and Simple

First of all, I wish to underline the following:

a. The need of a clear vision of what we wish to achieve

b. The breakdown of your plan in small achievable steps. The devil is in the details.

Keep it short and simple, Remember: changes take time. Be patient and keep going.

TIP: Keep it real. Ask yourself, what could be in the way of achieving my goal? Plan accordingly.

2. Beware of the inner critic

Our inner critic, that inner voice that builds a comfortable shelter made of false belief, old conditioning is based on fears and other repressed emotions. If you don't get immediate results don't bit yourself up. Acceptance of who we are and understanding of our emotions will build a healthier way to structure your motivation. The importance is to head towards a goal/change that we can feel right for us. Listen to the inner critic but follow your heart.

Observe your action, don't judge. There is something we need to learn, an unhealthy pattern that keeps repeating. Exerting too much control or being too hard on ourselves won't feed our motivation in the long term. Be mindful when falling into this trap. If you were your best friend what would you say to yourself?

TIP: Use Positive Affirmation such a: "I am achieving all I desire" rather than self-demolishing criticism ;)

3. Shift from a negative Mindset to a positive one

Have you heard of the saying "If you think you can, you will?"

When you find yourself in a gloomy state of mind, take a deep breath and think in abundance:

- Start counting your blessings and be grateful for the small things that we often take for granted.

- Look for beauty in life, think of what makes your heart spark with joy and add more of what makes you feel good with yourself.

- No tortures, no self-insults but compassion and encouragement.

Growth happens when we are pushed out of our comfort zone, away from our old conditioning and to refresh the view on our beliefs.

Notice the negative elements affecting your life and jump on the opportunity that your challenges represent for your growth.

Be relentless in knowing that you do have the power to change your life.

Invest your focus and with the right dedication you will progress.

Important: Don't deprive yourself but add more goodness in your life. Adopt an abundant mindset. The world has always been a huge mess, there is no such thing as a "golden era".

We are in constant evolution.

TIP: When you find yourself in a negative spiral remember the times that you have fallen and stood up again. How did you do it all on your own? Exactly, you can do it again.

4. Action versus Procrastination

When your body, mind and spirit are all shouting "just do it" be brave, be confident and take action.

It takes courage to face the unknown, a little self-belief and lots of spirit of adventure.

If you feel that your intention is right, live in the moment, don't postpone.

Life can be unpredictable but every time we take action we open a new window of possibilities.

Lack of taking action may result in you punishing yourself and entering into a self-abusive loop. This cycle not only feeds the insecurities but it fuels fear of failure.

Feel the fear and do it anyway! You will be rewarded with a huge boost of confidence!

On the other side, be aware of the reasons that refrain us to take action. Sometimes we are genuinely tired and drained and perhaps self-care is the right action to take. Retrieve and restore but set yourself a deadline, plan your next day tasks and set your intentions. Make yourself accountable, share your intentions with friends or reach out for professional guidance (rose@lifecoachtochange.com)

Just remember that everything in life needs balance to function.

The last thing we need is to blame ourselves. Regret does not serve us. If in doubt, take action on the outcome that will energise you.

Remember that even failure can be an opportunity and it's an essential learning resource to build up an esssential life resource: experience.

TIP: Remember all those times you took action. How did that make you feel? Feel that energy, count 1,2,3 and take action. Keep practising this method to incorporate proactiveness in your life.

5. Journey versus results

Take your daily life with excitement towards accomplishing everything you desire.

and in the meantime: HAVE FUN!

Life can be unpredictable among other things. Be ready for it!

Build resilience and be courageous but mostly be YOU.

Love yourself, your body and embrace every stage of your life with acceptance and gratitude. Pull your sleeves up and get ready for what awaits around the corner, nevertheless it's going to be an extraordinary opportunity of growth and elevation.

TIP: If you feel confused, stuck or lost at the moment, you are not alone.

Email rose@lifecoachtochange.com for a friendly orientation session to work on your next chapter of life.