Happy New Year my friends! So it’s January 1 – New year, new you. What are your resolutions? Time to lose weight! Workout 5 days a week. Drink more water. Meditate. Call mom more often!
Sound familiar? These resolutions didn’t stick last year, and they likely won’t again…Chances are that by February 1, we’ll be back to Diet Coke for breakfast.
According to research,75% of resolutions FAIL! Why? They are the wrong resolutions. They are empty. They are from our head, not our heart. Yes, we really, really want to lose weight, but why? Because we think we’re not skinny enough. We’re not good enough. See, these resolutions are all coming from a place of anxiety. A place that says we’re not “okay” as is. Therefore, such resolutions won’t last.
To make lasting resolutions, the desire for change must come from our hearts. From our souls. Our resolutions must be filled with purpose. They must be meaningful.
Wanting to be healthy so that I can better serve clients makes me want to run more, meditate, drink more water and put good food into my body. Calling my mom everyday because I want to strengthen our relationship is far more compelling than calling because I feel guilty if I don’t. From a place of purpose, I actually make the call. With purposeful meaning, there is power in my desire.
In fact, researchers find that when our goals are “self-concordant” – aligned with purpose -we are more likely to achieve them. Moreover, science has proven that when we have higher purpose, we are more resilient. We have more willpower, we better overcome challenges and dust ourselves after a fall. This is the kind of resolve we need when trying to make meaningful change. Furthermore, having purpose leads to greater life satisfaction.
So as you go about today and this opportunistic new year, consider what really, really, really matters – and then align your “New Years Resolutions” to that purpose. I guarantee you are more likely to keep them come February.
All my love – may you have a happy, healthy and meaningful 2012!
Carin