I also love that New Year's Day provides some fantastic synergy. Studies show that it's easier to reach goals if you have the support of a group: making your goals public is one way to provide yourself with the positive peer pressure associated with increased success, and the first week of the new year is a very popular time to announce your goals to others--it's almost expected! It also helps to have a group of people working toward similar goals along with you--they may provide a friendly challenge when you need inspiration, and support when you need to celebrate your success. (Just be sure you know which friends will provide the encouragement you need and which friends aren't great for that.) Talking to others about your goals also provides you with the benefit of learning from their mistakes and successes. This is a wonderful time of year for change.
Whether you are an enthusiastic resolution-setter, a casual planner, or someone who is burned-out or indifferent to resolutions as a concept, I encourage you to take today to dream, plan, and allow yourself to envision the type of changes you might love to see in yourself and your life in the coming year. You don't need to make those changes right away. (In fact, if you don't quite feel ready, it would be better if you take the week to create and solidify your plans and your resolve--making changes that last means allowing yourself the flexibility to really feel ready before you jump in, and the ability to pick yourself up and try again if you backslide once or twice.) One thing I would suggest to everyone is that you subscribe to my twice-weekly newsletter if you haven't already, and join us on Facebook and Twitter for an additional bit of inspiration and information.
For the next week, and throughout the coming month, I'll be sharing information, ideas, and resources to help you to make the changes you need to create your best life in 2013. Use what you need to make it happen. In the meantime, enjoy each day like it is January 1st*!
* A hangover-free January 1st, for those of you who like to party.
- For those ambivalent about resolutions: Goals Vs. Resolutions: How To Make Changes Stick!
- For those ready to make changes today: Setting And Reaching Goals
- For those looking for the best changes for stress relief: Resolutions For A Less-Stressed 2013
- What Are Your Resolutions For 2013? See What Other Readers Say!
Quizzes | Ongoing Resources
