OK, so here we go again, another year, another opportunity to set the record straight, move into new territory, finally do those things you think its time to do. Like: lose weight, read more, learn more, be friendlier/happier, cook like they do on the Food Network, get organized, start that new business, write the book that languishes within. And so on.
First, I’d like to say that the entire natural world of the northern hemisphere takes a completely opposite position. Its winter, and 
cold. Nature’s wise response to plummeting temps is to rest, to hibernate, to go deeply within. Its frozen out there and the light shines but a few hours a day.
From a Nature standpoint, the idea of major change in January is counter-intuitive.
Perhaps this is why New Year’s resolutions often fall untended and undeveloped? After all, we are a part of the natural world. Nature bursts forth in Spring, not Winter; more about that as we move toward warming trends.
But if you are feeling focused and activated despite what’s happening in the natural world, here is my take on why resolutions fail. We make the list, we have the greatest of good intentions, and yet…something, someone comes between our goal and the activation of it. Why is this repeated year after year despite due diligence and the most positive intentions?
Its those pesky attachments.
We are more attached to the way things are, than we are to the way we want them to be. The glue that keeps us from moving toward the goal is that it is simply easier to keep things on more familiar turf. Think of having a rubber band tied to your waist, as you set those goals. You want to move forward, but without this awareness, we constantly get pulled back toward the familiar.
In some ways we are all addicted to the way it is. The understanding that attachments hold us back, can be the beginning of true impetus forward.
What’s a person to do? Shedding habits and conditiond responses begins with awareness of behavior and our familiar patterns of doing and being. Then with open eyes and gentle attitude (no use getting judgmental), we can release the attachments, (where we’re stuck) and focus on the steps toward the goal.
Get into the habit of your new goal. Its not an idea, its a behavior, a way of being, its experiential. Consider change to be a practice.
1. Make a vision board with words and pictures that encapsulate your goals. Put it where you can look at it, invisioning your intentions. Remind yourself in many ways.
2. What present time situations/people/things are you attached to that are impeding your goal? Making a list and keeping that close improves self awareness of what it is you want to release.
3. Move into your new reality by finding people to support you.
4. Use a calendar to map your path. Behavioral scientists say it takes 21 days of repetition to begin to imprint change.
5. Take it in increments. Don’t resolve to lose 40 pounds. Focus on 10 pounds in a given time frame. Then move closer to your goal. If its a book you want to write, start with a blog, or Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages, writing at the same time, same amount (3 pages) every day.
The one thing I know for certain is, winter always turns into spring. This is Nature’s period of dynamic new growth. With Nature’s potential supporting you, by spring, this year will be your year of change.
Photo by Sharon Growick
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Brilliant! Simple, and original………