Happy New Year! This phrase is one we all can relate. We develop excitement about that particular day and many of us start contemplating the changes we want to make in our lives. We begin making New Year resolutions that express all the changes and ideas we have contemplated. That's great! Thinking about improvement is always a good thing.
However, the problem with many New Year's resolutions is that either we have set unrealistic goals or we haven't thought about how to turn our thoughts into successfully executed plans. A third problem that could lead to failed or failing New Year's resolutions is that we have attempted to change an external factor without changing the internal (your thinking).
Here's a classic example. You plan to lose 30lbs or gain 30lbs in muscle this year. Therefore, you sign up for a gym membership, buy new workout clothes and spend large amounts of money at the local nutrition and health food store. You are extremely excited and begin your strenuous 6 workouts a week plan. After a week or two pass, you resolution becomes unmanageable, you begin to feel defeated and now your workout shoes are under your bed, and you have only used 2 scoops of your 30 scoop protein mix.
This happens because many of us fail to spend time changing our thinking or internal outlook. The biggest part of becoming successful in goal completion is mental preparation. You need to spend time retraining your thinking patterns to reflect an "I can" attitude instead of an "I can't" attitude.
This year I challenge you to work on changing your internal outlook before trying to change your behavior. Take time to examine your thoughts and beliefs regarding your life, your expectation of your life and experiences that have influenced your current behaviors. Focus on creating positive self-expectancy to assist you in achieving life and goal fulfillment. The next time you decide to set a goal or if you plan to revamp your current goal, ask yourself, "Do I really believe I can achieve it?" If the answer is yes, great! If the answer is no, what needs to change in your internal outlook for you to believe you can achieve your goal?
Remember, knowledge is knowing what needs to change and acceptance is taking the steps to execute change.
Copyright 2008. Christian F. Johnson. All rights reserved
Interested in receiving more advice on healing, wellness and personal growth? Or are you interested in booking this writer for trainings, workshops, keynote presentations or seminars? Please visit us at http://www.wcwallc.com to sign up for our newsletter or request Christian F. Johnson at a speaking engagement.
Christian F. Johnson, MS, LCSW is the founder and owner of Wholistic Counseling & Wellness Alternatives, LLC. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/ Psychotherapist & Consultant that received her Master of Science degree from Columbia University in 2002. She gained her psychotherapy, counseling and consulting experience from providing services to a diverse background of individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations in school and community based settings.
Moreso, Ms. Johnson is also a locally and nationally recognized Trainer, Writer and Speaker. She has been featured in local and national media interviews with media such as KTVK- News Channel 3, Black Enterprise Magazine, and National Association of Social Workers- AZ Chapter. She is also a Freelance Writer/Columnist for Belle-Noir.com, an online magazine that focuses on Size Acceptance and Women's Empowerment.
Christian F. Johnson is a National Certified Trainer for the Olweus International Bullying Prevention Program, a trained Mediator and possesses additional experience developing and presenting trainings, workshops and presentations on an array of topics.
She founded Wholistic Counseling & Wellness Alternatives, LLC based on the belief that self- reliance is achieved when the six (6) domains (cultural, intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional and financial) of a person's life are balanced and functioning as a whole.