Are you all pumped up and ready to get started with your 2010 goals and resolutions? When you set those goals, did it make you uncomfortable? If you aren't getting shook up - you're playing it safe and you'll never grow. Sure, you'll make progress but you won't ever reach the heights you're capable of soaring to.
I've been guilty of doing it myself so don't think I'm just sitting here finger pointing. Moving outside of what's comfortable and familiar doesn't take much effort. You have to be open and willing to do it.
Here are 13 practical exercises to incorporate into your routine to help you jump start the transformation process:
Decide to do Better - The difference between this being a great day or a bad one depends solely on your attitude. This is the only variable you can control. Train your mind to identify the positive in every difficult person or situation you encounter.
Free Yourself - We spend a great deal of time holding on to emotional baggage. When we do this, it's almost impossible to enjoy the present and recognize the improvements we've made. Stop allowing past pains to hold you hostage. Confront them and let it go.
Recognize the Power of Your Thoughts - You have the choice of expecting the worse or looking forward to the best out of life. This goes hand-in-hand with Exercise #1. When you visualize and anticipate strength, prosperity, and harmony, they'll show up. If you look for the bad and subscribe to negative self talk, you'll eventually get what you ask for. We become what we think.
Manage Your Relationships - I've often told people to completely avoid dream crushers. This isn't very realistic since some people live with energy zappers and naysayers. Limit the amount of time you spend with toxic people. Surround yourself with supportive folks who want you to succeed. Put them on speed dial for times when you're feeling vulnerable.
Study Diligently - You don't have to resort to being a "professional student" in order to have a lifetime of learning. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to read/listen to self-help and other educational materials. Tap into your intellectual resources to stimulate your mind.
Do Something New - Commit to introducing something new into your life. This is one of the best ways to break old habits and replace them with new ones. It doesn't have to be anything drastic. Something as simple as trying a new food, listening to a different genre of music, or visiting a part of town that isn't along your regular route will gradually take you outside of your comfort zone. When you do this, you become more open minded and look forward to challenges and experimenting with new things.
Set Goals - There are thousands of personal development experts and we each have our own opinions regarding goals. Here's mine: set realistic goals that make you happy when you're pursuing them, write them down, and reflect on them daily. Achieving your goals shouldn't feel like a chore or obligation. If you aren't excited about the goals you've set, you need to go back to the drawing board and revisit your list.
Establish Boundaries - Don't allow people (friends and family included) to manipulate you, use you as a doormat, or treat you like a dumping ground. Love, value, and respect yourself and accept nothing less from others.
Keep it Real - Stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Be honest no matter what. Don't be afraid to go against the grain even if it means not being liked or accepted. Adhere to a strict ethical code - never compromise your integrity. Always do what's right.
Give Cheerfully - Look for opportunities to share your blessings. It doesn't always have to be monetary. Donate your time and talents to those who are less fortunate. Serve others from the kindness of your heart and expect nothing in return.
Don't Procrastinate - When you have a task to complete or a deadline to meet, Just Do It! Some people perform well under pressure but for others it can cause anxiety and tension. Devise a timeline and finish your projects ahead of schedule whenever possible.
Accountability 24/7 - You and only you are responsible for your actions. No one else can cause you to react or respond. Don't point the finger or blame others when things don't go well or according to plan. Be flexible and don't hide behind excuses.
Redefine and Embrace Failure - We're not perfect. We're bound to fall short and miss the mark along our journey toward excellence. The same mistake shouldn't be repeated if you learned from it the first time. New failures signify growth. The insight you gain is essential to your success.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - Reinvention is a never ending process, not a a destination. If you follow my friend Zara Green's advice and make your next decision better than your last, you'll be just fine.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Share Your Thoughts