Women Who Lead

10 Simple Tips for Making (New Year's) Resolutions Stick

Are you one of the 40% of people who make resolutions that stick, or the 60% that make them and break them?  Is this the year you will loose weight, get fit, save money, find true love, write that book or start a business?  Or, will next year find you revisiting this year’s resolutions? 

I was inspired to write this blog after listening to Ira Flatow interview Dr. Norcross on NPR. Good news!  In their research they found that people who make New Year's resolutions are more likely to keep their resolution than those who do not.  They also reminded us that resolutions can be made any time of year.  It is more important that you make them when you are prepared to take action to keep them.

So, let’s talk resolution making, real change and keeping those resolutions.  Each time you keep your commitment to self, you say, "I AM WORTHY!"

1. Declare your resolution – in law of attraction-speak, set your CLEAR INTENTION. Make it clear and specific – vague doesn’t cut it, because you want to clearly see your goals.  And, WRITE IT DOWN - if you journal, this is a good way to use it to track your journey.  Better yet, make time and write, sketch, draw or add photos to bring it to life.  Maybe even create a vision board ... with an annual theme.  My 2010 biz theme is "income with ease."
2. Reality check - make the goal realistic. Don’t set the bar so high you can’t jump it.  You cannot loose 40 pounds in 40 days.
3. Break it down - into bite-sized goals, baby steps, take it one day at a time.  And don't stack goals/resolutions.
4. Measure and monitor your success – measurable goals work best, and non-judgmental observation of your progress is key.  With measurable goals you will know when to celebrate.
5. Discipline and Routine- we learn with structure and repetition. This is about DAILY PRACTICE.
6. Enlist an accountability buddy or join a group –  COMMUNITY support is key as inspiration wanes and waxes.  It can be family, friend, co-workers, or a coach/coaching group. Someone who will advocate for your success is best. And, it's more fun to celebrate with a crowd.
7. Believe in Yourself– CONFIDENCE is key to success.  It is not found but created.  It is much like riding a bike.  It's about falling off and getting up, getting unstuck and staying on your path forgive yourself if you fall off, just get back on with renewed determination. 
8. Create affirmations (around your resolution-intention) Affirm = to make more firm.  Affirmations can motivate, inspire and celebrate.  A great start is to remind yourself, “I am worthy of ______ (fill in the blank)!” I like to put my affirmations on colorful (3M) stickies and place them where I'll see them often, e.g. my bathroom mirror.
   
9. Milestone Anniversaries = CELEBRATE the steps along the way.  Gratitude is key, and you don’t have to wait until December 31 to celebrate. Just staying your path, or getting back on it, is a reason to celebrate.
10. MAKE IT FUN!!  Let's face it, if it's not fun, it's not happening.  So even when you are not feeling it, give yourself a little smile! CELEBRATE the large and small milestones.  And, take out time to REST & RENEW.  Take a retreat from the action and work,at least 10 minutes each day.  Remember to breathe! 
    

Conscious Living Challenge/Activity:
When making change or creating resolutions, these are great questions to ask self:

1. What do you need to stop doing, thinking or feeling? 
2. What do you need to start doing, thinking or feeling?
3. What do you need to change?

Make it your best-ever year!

Karen McMillan, ACC
The Conscious Living Coach

Visit my web site for complimentary e-courses to help create balance.  While there sign up for my Conscious Leaders Wisdom Circle and be the first to know about the coaching programs starting in January & February - when the motivation may be waning, to guide, motivate and support you on this year-long path to your best ever life!  www.kdmcmillan.com/events

Expert. Expertise. Niche. and the Ego

A discussion about collaborations and financial equity left me pondering the question, "What makes someone an expert?"  As I wondered, I realized that I was really asking, "Who determines if someone is an expert?"  As I continued to think about this it came to me, "Can one call themselves an expert without expertise?"  "What if they are brand new to the market or industry?  Doesn't this make them an amateur?"  And, what does all this have to do with niches and the ego?

"Expert" is a term we hear often, and many marketing gurus encourage us to position ourselves as experts in our niche.  For the most part, this is a fabulous recommendation.  When the intention is to grow ourselves and our business this concept of expert works well.  It helps us to focus our energy and marketing message.  To deepen our knowledge and hone our skills.  To align with our values and resonate passion.

In my effort to be an expert in conscious leadership, I thought I would give this more thought.  I thought that calling oneself an expert is all good if one keeps the ego in check.  Being aware to stay in the realm of positive affirmation of self and skills, and avoid that dangerous place of competition, negativity and lack. Thinking there is not enough, that one is "better than thou."

As a conscious leader I offer these thoughts for consideration:

• A niche aligns with your target market and ideal client.  It is other-focused
• An expert is not a label, but a journey of mastery to Self.  A mindset.
• Expertise is what you create on the way to mastery of Self which is then reflected in your work or art

May you be a master in whatever your heart desires.  And, think of yourself as an expert in BEING your authentic self!

I would love to share your thoughts on this topic.  Has the thought crossed your mind or entered into a business dealing?  Please share in the comments below.