Why do people start out with massive amounts of energy and commitment towards New Years resolutions then fall flat on their faces when it comes to following through? The answer is different for each person.
Photo credit Robert Proska and stock.xchng
I’m not a fan of resolutions. I’m a believer of intentional thoughts. What you think about, you bring about. It’s a simple process. Yet, meaningless thoughts, aka monkey mind, and/or behaviors, form roadblocks that prevent us from attaining success.
Since March 2012, I’ve been recovering from double hernia surgery. This means I’ve been inactive, putting on the LB’s, and getting close to putting a new hole in my belt. I needed something to jump start a new exercise routine. Ask the universe, and you shall receive.
In October, without giving it much thought, I created a 30 Day Challenge to attend yoga class’s for 30 days in a row. (actually turned into 60 days) No plan, just do as Yoda might say.
There were several times I wanted to toss in the towel. I remember waking up one cold Thursday morning at 5:30a having second thoughts of attending the 7a Dharma class. I was -this close- to remaining in a fetal position under my warm Ethan Allen duvet. Another time my lower back was feeding me lots of pain and I had a legit reason for ending my challenge. In both instances I said no, I must go.
The first 14 days were extremely hard on the body. I was poppin Ibuprofen like a kid eating M&M’s on the evening of Halloween. Then at the beginning of week three, things changed and the moves became easier and easier. This is what happens when you create a habit.
I found my mojo on November 5th following a Hot Vinyasa Flow class. I hit my stride. I worked through the valley and persevered. The completion of the goal was tied to my unwavering values and beliefs towards physical fitness.
How about you?
- How many times this year did you start a goal and quit?
- How many times over the past three years did you give up?
- How many times did you quit, start back up, and quit again?
A different result requires a different action.
How about:
- Purchase a self-help book.
- Decide this time will be different.
- Hire a coach. I’ve heard this works.
- Create a vision board.
- Take it one day at a time.
- Promise yourself a special reward once you’ve completed the goal.
- Put a goal creation system into action. I have an inexpensive one that takes 10 minutes.
- Call me for an initial consultation to discuss your end game.
If none of the aforementioned suggestions resonates with you, perhaps this anonymous poem titled, “Don’t Quit,” might keep you from backsliding into quitting territory.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow–
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out–
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
– Unknown Author
What is the one thing you’ll do, that you haven’t done yet, that will change your performance in the coming year?
Commit right now in a comment below.
Hey Steve,
Wow, double hernia surgery! Man, that’s rough but sounds like you got through that and that exercise class too. I applaud you, yoga is hard work.
I don’t make new year’s resolutions because if you need to do something there is no time like the present to start. There have been some things I’ve started this year that I didn’t see all the way through. Things changed for me and I decided that perhaps it wasn’t what I needed to be doing. It wasn’t because I was a quitter.
There is something that I’ve set a goal for this year that I will see through and I’m hoping that my entire community will be able to hold me to it. I’ll share more what that is in my first post of the new year. So, wish me luck.
Happy New Year Steve and here is wishing you the best year ever.
~Adrienne
I appreciate your posts on blogging. I encourage people to read your stuff.
I read a stat from another coach. He said his clients on a ratio of 2:1 accomplish more in doing something big in the spur of the moment.
Crush it in 2013 Adrienne!
Steve, I keep on suggesting everyone around, if ever you want to do something, just do it now. Having said that, I give great importance to New year resolutions and reason being a fresh start and Tabula rasa. New year resolutions for me is all about setting Goals, making strategic, tactical and operational plans, at times it works but not always.
Kumar
Kumar, I love the idea of starting with a clean slate i.e. tabula rasa. Unfortunately, many people go back to their old ways.
I suggest reading the book, “The Power of Habit” for those looking to make significant changes. https://endgamebusiness.com/blog/take-action/
Thanks for your comment.
Steve,
I think you are reading my mind. This article and poem have good timing for me. Thank you. I think I will print and post this message where I can see it daily.
Pam, let me know if this helps.
Thanks for your comment and come back again.
Hi steve,
Very nice article. The poem you have mentioned at the end of the article is truely motivational.
I also dont believe in new year resolution sorts of thing.And even never i took any resolution at the starting of the year. Planning your goals is very important but should ,but some time you have to change it according to the situations and circumstances.
Situation some time comes when you want to give up at that time you should chalenge your self as you do after your hernia surgery.
Thank You
Shorya Bist
From Youthofest
Thanks Shora for your thoughts.
The biggest changes for me had to do with health.
Whatever you’re chasing this year, I hope you find it.
Steve,
I had that poem in my room all through high school and college. My Dad gave it to me… as did his mom. Nice to see it again. Inspiring post.
A few weeks ago was the first time I ever saw the poem.
I figured I’d look at it every now and again.
Have a great week Karin!