New Year's Resolutions Already Out the Window?

The start of the new year seems like the perfect time to start anew, to finally handle something that has been bothering us for quite some time. Yet, despite making all sorts of promises, it's rare that we actually stick with it and make those changes that we claim we want.

What is it about saying that we want to make a change and actually making the change that's different? What gets in our way? What prevents us from bringing our ideas to fruition? Why do we bother to say that we will change something when it usually doesn't happen anyway?

Looking at our lives today, it's no wonder that we can easily get caught up in distractions that prevent us from making changes. Every place we turn is filled with something else attempting to get our attention and focus. So, it's no wonder that despite our good intentions, something will come along that will pull us away. How many times do we say, "I need to clean up my desk. It's such a mess, and I have trouble finding things." Seems like a good idea at the time, but before we know it, a year has passed and the desk looks exactly the same as it always has. How many times do we vow to exercise regularly. Sometimes it means joining a gym or it could be as simple as bringing a treadmill into the house. Yet, how many of us actually begin a regular, consistent routine? And, if we do start a routine, how many of us actually stick with it?

Sometimes, we bite off more than we can chew. Other times, our goals require too many changes or too major a change at once. And yet, other times, the distractions lure us away in another direction. So how can we can we get focused and on track? How can we make changes that actually work on a long-term basis? One of the answers is to hire a personal coach.

A coach is someone who not only helps you create your vision and set goals but also works with you to devise a step-by-step plan that fits your individual style that ultimately leads to making long-lasting, permanent changes. Everyone has a different style, and needs to be motivated and moved in a different way. Once a vision and goals are set, the coach will hold you accountable each week for achieving what you have set out to do. Because it's broken down into small, tiny steps, it seems so much simpler and actually seems 'doable.' A coach can point out new angles and a new perspective so perhaps seeing the same old thing in a new way can be inspiring and motivating and lead to a new, better result. A coach can identify where the discrepancies lie between what you say you want and what you really do want. Sometimes we think we want something, but it turns out it's not REALLY what we want —only what we 'think' we want. Sometimes, we get hooked into the 'shoulds' because it seems appropriate. However, a 'should' doesn't come from within, and therefore, leads to failure and disillusionment.

So what's the best way to make a resolution and to actually make it happen?
o Take very small tiny, baby steps toward the big picture.
o Be accountable on a weekly basis rather than looking at the whole year and feeling overwhelmed.
o Mark your progress as you go along so that you can take pride and feel good about what has already been accomplished toward the vision. Too often we get locked into looking at what's left to do and forget to appreciate what's already been done.

About the Author

Marion Franklin is a Professional Certified Life Coach who coaches individuals and groups regarding change, focus, team building, and conflict management. Marion has coached managers at major corporations including PepsiCo, Toys’R’Us, and Reader’s Digest. She conducts workshops, retreats, and an ongoing Women’s Workshop Series, has been cited in The Journal News and The Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on local Cable Television.
Website: http://www.lifecoachinggroup.com