Hit the Ground Running in '09

One of my new year's resolutions this year is to not just start a blog, but commit to one. Actually, resolve to make it happen.

I had started one before but never created enough momentum to keep it going. So, contrary to what most people do, I will start my blog today, one week before the New Year begins.

You see the typical resolution starts right around january 3rd (when the hangover wears off) and ends about 2 weeks later. And that's on the more optimistic side of things.

One of the simplest definitions of success I've ever heard is, "Look at what everyone else is doing, and then do exactly the opposite!"

To really gain momentum and traction, why not start your new year's resolution today, as in right now?

By starting now you can separate yourself from the crowd, realize the benefits of your resolution and avoid the #1 trap of failing to follow through on your resolution(s).

The trap, and interestingly enough, the most insidious thing about not following through with a new year's resolution is not necessarily that you fail to realize the benefits derived from whatever your resolution happens to be, but rather the blow to the self-esteem.

While the "resolution" may only last a week or month, the negative cascading effect on one's confidence of failing to follow through on it is the real tragedy.

Sure, in the beginning you'll just laugh about it and engage in that convivial sense of belonging to the tribe of others who fall into the same category. Chances are this is the same group who never followed through last year, or the year before that, or ever!

Sooner than later (right around February) however it will recede to an even more damaging place, a place that is working its magic or malice even while you sleep: your subconscious mind.

Like it or not, your seemingly benign, habitual failure to follow through on your New Year's Resolution will haunt you not only for the rest of the year, but for the rest of your life!

Unless of course you begin to reverse the trend and stem the tide.

If not, there will always be that nagging sense of self-doubt, and this will show up in/ to the outside world. It will show up while you're working, parenting, teaching, in everything that you do, like or not.

So here's a bit of New Year's advice: don't start a resolution without taking a step towards it.

And most importantly start now. Not tomorrow. Not January 2nd. Break that old habit and start a new one. Fortunately, studies show that it takes just 3 weeks of consistent action to do this.

So why not start your new year's resolution today, get one week of a habit nailed prior to the new year, then hit the ground running in '09, and take off to the levels of health and prosperity that you deserve?

Comments

[Brenda Cook]

Right On Mr Citron! It is Dec. 25th and due to blended family, we had our dinner yesterday..so I arrived at my computer this morning ready to begin New Years Thinking & was very pleased to find your Blog & the Joe Morton Webinar to get me going on a day when the majority of the world is having their family celebrations! I am following your Blog..;) and expect to see the momentum!
Brenda...