Ask the Coach - Thinking Beyond Traditional Resolutions
Ask the Coach - How Do We Build a Life as Empty Nesters?
Ask the Coach - Thinking Beyond Traditional Resolutions
Welcome 2023!
According to Forbes magazine, every year more than 50% of people make New Year’s r esolutions and yet virtually every study indicates that around 80% will get abandoned by Feb 1st. So, how about exploring a new way to welcome in a new year? An alternative to the traditional resolution.
Here are the ones I have tried and kept over the years... Perhaps they will work for you too.
a) Establish a New Goal Each Month
Rather than establish a huge resolution that you'll tackle for the next 365 days, establish monthly goals for yourself. Perhaps January will be the month you go to the gym before work three times a week. And February will be the month you tackle packing your lunches instead of eating out every day. You might decide to create a 12-month calendar that outlines each month's goal ahead of time or you may decide to just pick January's goal for now.
The key to success is to pick measurable goals. So rather than say, "I'll manage my money better this month," commit to a goal like, "I'll save $500 this month." Short-term, realistic goals can help you stay motivated to keep going.
b) Keep Track of Your Healthy Habits
Stay flexible and leave room for spontaneity by tracking your healthy habits every day. So instead of setting out to accomplish specific things each week or month, you might simply track the healthy choices you make each day. At the end of the day, write down three healthy things you did that day on a calendar.
Having a visual aid that displays your accomplishments--even small ones like ordering the salad instead of the burger or taking the stairs instead of the elevator--will motivate you to keep up the good work.
You might also pick a healthy habit that you want to track--like going to the gym. Rather than set out to go to the gym five times a week, simply decide that each time you go you'll put a dime or a marble inside a jar. When the jar gets full, treat yourself to something nice (just make sure the treat doesn't involve something that will sabotage your progress).
c) Develop a Mantra
Rather than deciding 2023 is going to be the year that you "save more money," create a mantra that says, "Buy only what you need." Then, commit to following that mantra without any strict rules or rigid guidelines. When you're shopping, remind yourself of your mantra.
A mantra can feel more positive and empowering than a resolution. After all, you either fail or succeed with a resolution but a mantra becomes a way of life. Of course, that doesn't mean you won't tune out your mantra and throw caution to the wind sometimes--you will. But, if you keep repeating it in your head, the message will sink in, and your behavior will change over time.
d) Conduct Weekly Experiments or Challenges
Conduct weekly experiments that test out various habits or that challenge you to do new things. One week you might decide to talk to five strangers every day just to see what happens. If you approach it with an open mind, you might discover that your mood improves or that you make new friends.
Or you might set out to go for a brisk morning walk before you start your workday. You might discover that it gives you more energy throughout the whole day. You can do anything for a week. And you just might discover new strategies that you'll want to turn into regular habits--but you won't know unless you try.
e) Make a Bucket List
Choose a whole bunch of things you'd like to do this year. Whether you want to take a cooking class or want to skydive, create a list of things you want to do.
If you pick small things, you might put 52 items on your list and check one item off each week. If you're hoping to do some big things, pick 12 and tackle one item each month.
Having things to look forward to can boost your mood--and when you feel better, you're likely to do better. You might find you naturally want to get healthy, save money, or be kinder to others when you're enjoying your bucket list items.
e) Change Your Life One Small Step at a Time
These New Year's alternatives will remind you to live life to it's fullest as you create a healthier, happier life. So, give up the idea that you need to pick one big thing to work on and decide that you're going to reach your goals and become your best self one small step at a time.
Happy New Year!!!
Best,
Merrill
We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.
Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.
Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to askmerrill@gmail.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).
