You know… when we’ve almost given up on our 2023 Resolutions
Things can get a little crazy and plain ‘ole out of control around the beginning of each New Year. We push through the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving then Hanukkah and Christmas. By the time we’ve eaten our way to New Years Eve, we finally look around and realize “Things need to change. And stat!”.
It usually starts a few days before the upcoming New Year when we think “What can I improve on in 2023?” “What do I want in 2023?” and even “What goals am I gonna rock in 2023?“. Every year it’s the same old same old patterns. We make resolutions with real passion and good intentions. And by now (usually mid-January) all our grand desires, goals and resolutions have lost their sparkle and faded.
Let’s all take a deep breath, pull up our “Big Girl Panties” and regroup.
Where did it go so wrong?
By mid-December, we’re done with all of the things that went wrong in the year and are looking forward to the possibilities of tomorrow. Each New Year brings energy and excitement for new dreams, ideals, and goals.
“This is the year I’m losing weight and getting healthy!” Don’t get me wrong, I’ve said the exact thing for years, but after years and years of disappointment and falling back into old patterns I realized I was approaching it all wrong.
So what can I do to get back on track?
The words you use matter. Plain and simple. Everything that you think and say out loud had meaning.
First, let’s change the words we use. Instead of using the words “Resolutions, Goals, and Wants”, how about we use words with more power and integrity behind them? Let’s try on a few. I love the words “commitment”, “intention” and “mindset“. If those words don’t work for you write down a few positive words that are powerful and resonate with you.
Creating intentions
Through careful intentions and taking inspired actions, you can take the power back in your life. Setting intentions, making commitments, and shifting your mindset are powerful tools to use on a day-to-day, weekly or yearly basis.
When you are ready to set an intention you first need know what you want. See it, write it down and be very clear. Start to feel it. Know why you desire your intention. Sometimes the next step takes some work, but start believing in yourself. Believe that what you are seeking to achieve is possible for you. Now take action, even if it’s small at first, and trust the process.
Remember…
Where Focus Goes, Energy Flows!
When I don’t want to get out of bed on those cold January and February mornings to workout I have to ask myself a few questions:
- Am I the type of person who sleeps in or am I the typer of person who gets up and works out?
- Will I regret not getting up at some point later in the day?
- If not me, then who else is going to do make me healthier, happier and accomplish my intentions?
Quick hacks for setting yourself up for success
Start by creating a bedtime routine for yourself. Start by setting your alarm for the time you want to get up in the morning, now move that alarm (or phone) to the other side of your bedroom. Having to get out of bed to turn it off will make it harder to get back in and pull the covers over your head.
If you drink coffee, have your coffee maker set to start brewing 15-20 minutes before your alarm goes off. The smell of coffee can act as a stimulant and get your brain starting to wake up on it’s own.
If you want to work out in the mornings, then set your workout gear out the night before so it’s ready to go for you.
Thirty to sixty minutes before going to bed, turn off all digital devices. We’ve all heard the research that the blue light emitted from our digital devices excites the brain. We should be winding down at the end of the day and preparing for sleep, not waking our brains up! Mindless scrolling on our devices is also keeping our brains awake and alert. To be fair, this is not just our phones, tablets, and computers. It also means turning the television off too!
Now that all your devices are off it’s time to set yourself up for a great day tomorrow. It’s time to get out your journal. You might already have a journaling practice and that’s great! We’re just gonna add to it.
At the end of your day write three (and only 3) “Wins for today”.
That can be anything big or small. For example, a win can be “I said “no” to the donuts at the office this morning” or “I packed and ate a healthy lunch instead of ordering fast food”. Any three wins that you want.
And then, write down three (and only 3) “Wins for tomorrow”. Again, they can be big or small, but only three. Anything more than 3 is too much for the brain to handle before overwhelm sets in and ruins everything. A Win for tomorrow can be “I will take the dog out for two walks tomorrow instead of one” or “I will call to make an appointment for a hair cut for myself”. These “Wins” don’t have to be so big and scary that you avoid them. They should be simple attainable actions that will push you forward and get things done.
When you start practicing the 3 Wins journaling practice your mind wants more and more positive reinforcement. The more wins day after day, the more accomplished and self-confident you become. It makes winning at life a real thing!
Need Help Making Your Intentions For a Healthy You in the New Year? Begin Working With A Massage Therapist in Orland Park, IL
You deserve support in setting yourself up for success in the new year. At Anchored in Health we provide a holistic environment so that your therapeutic massage can bring you both healing and relaxation. If you are ready to have a massage therapist tailor sessions to your needs follow these steps:
- Contact us with questions
- Schedule your massage therapy appointment
- Start healing your body while feeling relaxed
Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL
We want to help your live your healthiest and happiest life. This is why we also offer Functional Medicine, Shape ReClaimed, chiropractic care, therapeutic massages, and acupuncture. Additionally, we offer genetic testing, and breast thermography.