Begin Again

Annually as we approach another year, there is an urgency to begin again. While I am not against the intentional purposeful quest we are on to seek better for our lives, why are we so set on creating a list of ‘Resolutions’ that many of us don’t remember within a few weeks.

In 1960, Dr. Maxwell Maltz published a book on noticing trends. When we do something for 21 days in a row, it forms a habit. There have been countless researchers who have added additional theories and provided specificity to what happens when we create designated habits.

I would encourage us not to focus on resolutions. I would encourage us not to create scenarios that are beyond our initial control. I would encourage us to focus on what is our natural indication.

1. If you prefer to exercise, let that be your begin again. Make an intentional effort to exercise weekly according to what is your additional need. Daily; 5 times a week; 3 times a week. Whatever is an added effort for your comfort and ability.

2. If you prefer to read, let that be your begin again. Make an intentional effort to read weekly according to what is your additional need. Daily; 5 times a week; 3 times a week. Whatever is an added effort for your comfort and ability.

3. If you prefer to change your eating habits, let that be your begin again. Make an intentional effort to reduce a food item that is not in your best interest – bread, potatoes, pasta, sweets, etc. Only you can decide what is an indulgence you identify as something that is adding to your weight that you can reduce. For me, bread and pasta are foods that add extra weight and need to no longer carry. My goal for 2025 is to not eat bread and pasta every day. So…..if I eat bread 5 days instead of 7 and pasta 3 days instead of 5, that is my start. The focus is to gain awareness daily of what you eat.

4. If you prefer to do nothing except maintain what you want from your life, make daily effort to maintain what you want from your life.

5. Focus on your positive well being

6. Look in the mirror and tell yourself one, positive message.

7. As you become comfortable looking in the mirror, telling yourself one positive message, tell yourself three positive messages.

8. Tell yourself five positive messages.

9. Look yourself in the mirror and smile.

10. Repeat 1 – 9

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!