It is that time of year when we are under a lot of pressure to clarify our goals and to make resolutions. Then by mid-January, or February if you are really good, you are back to the
same old bad habits. Why is that? First I am the ultimate goal setter as if you didn’t already know that. However, I have found a couple of truths with this exercise that help to move me forward.
First of all, be really clear what you really want. It is not about what you SHOULD want or what someone else expect from you, it is about creating a plan to align your actions with your values. I SHOULD lose weight and eat healthier but what VALUE does that satisfy. For ME it is the VALUE of ENERGY. For me it is about wanting to do more of what I love.
Secondly you cannot add anything to your plate (schedule) without taking something off. Everyone has the same 24 hours but it is how you prioritize that time that moves you towards fulfillment and happiness. Make sure you are saying YES to things and obligations that feed your soul. Practice saying NO. One thing I do before I begin a New Year is to make a list of what I am going to STOP DOING. This year I stopped watching the news on TV..and really watching TV at all. This gave me more time to write, read or spend time with friends.
Don’t want what you don’t want is a key lesson. You need to define what success and happiness means to YOU. I do not want a bigger house, more clothes of a diamond ring. Goals are not things but defining creating a lifestyle.
Control what you can control. This goes back to my point that goals are limiting. Richard Branson was asked about his goals. He made a comment that if his goal had been to own 400 companies, he most surely would have messed it up. When I reach a level I was hoping for my response isn’t good job, it is what’s next. You can go much further than you think you can.
You cannot get more, be more by working harder. Rest and regeneration is part of any plan. I need to do more with leveraging my growth. I need to simplify and organizatioalize to do more with less energy and time.
You need to replace old habits with new habits. Life is about habit, what we do without thinking. Decide what SMALL new habits will enhance the quality of your life. The small habits will compound over time to make huge differences. When I get home I eat dinner and then immediately get into my pajamas, brush my teeth and use a water pick. It serves 3 things that move me forward. I don’t eat after I do this; I have better dentist checkups and I go to bed earlier. Find those small key behaviors that feed your values. Another is that I drink 32 oz. of water before leaving the house in the morning.
Many are taught to decide on their goals and then structure their life and business around it. I would challenge you to define your LIFE and structure your goals around those. For me it comes down to 3 simple goals…values- ENERGY, GRATITUDE AND GROWTH. I look for and am open to opportunities that fulfill those VALUES. If I do that I will exceed all of my expectations of success and happiness. Happy New Year.