Research has shown that about half of all adults make New Year’s resolutions, yet less than 10 percent manage to keep them for more than a few months. Why do we have such a difficult time sticking to the goals we set for ourselves?
One of the biggest reasons people have trouble keeping resolutions — whether it is losing weight, improving relationships, or managing finances — is our tendency to sabotage ourselves
No matter our goals, sometimes we end up making choices or acting in a way that undermines what we really want, Even with the best of conscious intentions, we often allow this self-sabotage to creep in and prevent us from reaching our goals.
5 ways you may be sabotaging your resolutions (and how to stop)
1. Focusing on Failure: We often think of successful people as those who don’t fail. But think of it this way: the people who succeed may actually have more failures in their lives because it’s those failures that give them the skill and wisdom to succeed the next time. Successful people aren’t the ones who don’t fail ¬— they’re the ones who failed many times and didn’t give up. They’re able to focus on the positive takeaways of their failures and rise above them.
What to do: Rather than feeling defeated when you fail, look for the lessons and the things you’ve done right that you can build upon.
2. Not Celebrating Small Victories: We all need positive feedback and appreciation from others, but how much of this do you give yourself? If you’re like most people, probably not enough.
What to do: When you’re working toward a goal, it usually helps to break it down into smaller milestones. The same concept can be applied to celebrating those milestones. Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to pat yourself on the back. Celebrate the minor victories you achieve along the way.
3. Procrastinating: When you’re embarking on a big project at home or at work, do you ever put it off? Procrastination can set you up for the stress of having to rush to meet deadlines. It can also stall you from taking action toward making positive changes when there is no deadline.
What to do: Procrastination may result from feelings or Trapped Emotions of fear, dread, or insecurity. Resolving the emotions that may cause you to put things off can make a world of difference in your success.
4. Faking It. Ever find yourself putting on a fake smile when you really feel sad, angry, or resentful? One study found that workers who forced themselves to smile and act happy when they were unhappy were at higher risk for heavy drinking. Suppressing or ignoring negative emotions is likely not your best option.
What to do: Releasing negative emotions may be as quick and easy as using The Emotion Code® to rid yourself of that energy. It has helped thousands of people release negativity and experience the joy and motivation that keeps them moving toward the things they really want.
5. Imposter Syndrome (feeling you are not worthy of success, happiness, love, etc.): Ever felt like you’re not worthy of your career, your family, or other aspects of your life? Ever told yourself or others that you don’t deserve it when something good happens to you? If so, you may have what’s commonly called “imposter syndrome.” This is when your feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness persist even with evidence that shows otherwise. You might feel like a phony, or be afraid that someone will realize you don’t belong where you are.
What to do: Take stock of your accomplishments – write them down. And don’t just focus on the big things. After all, the small stuff is what adds up to make you the person you are. Hold on to your list. Add to it at every opportunity. Use it to fuel positive affirmations about who you really are and what you’re capable of.
Summary:
• Learn from your failures.
• Celebrate small victories.
• Resolve feelings that cause procrastination.
• Rid yourself of negative energy.
• Note your accomplishments.
If you can do these five things, chances are you’ll be better equipped to stop sabotaging yourself and start achieving your goals.
About Dr. Brad: Veteran holistic physician Dr. Bradley Nelson (D.C., ret) is one of the world’s foremost experts on natural methods of achieving wellness. He has trained thousands of certified practitioners worldwide to help people overcome physical and emotional discomfort by releasing their emotional baggage. His best-selling book "The Emotion Code" provides step-by-step instructions for working with the body's energy healing power. A newly revised and expanded edition of "The Emotion Code" is now available (May 2019, St. Martin's Press). For more information and a free Emotion Code Starter Kit, visit www.emotioncodegift.com.