New Year's Resolution Rehab

 New Year's resolutions are as predictable as bowl games and hangovers. With each new year comes  a well intentioned list of things to change, begin or end.  A chance to turn over a new leaf, start a fresh chapter, and get your  life back in balance. But just as predictably, most of them eventually go by the wayside. Therefore, in  2012 I am launching New Year's Resolution Rehab; a way to put you on the road to recovery from resolution regrets.

Step I: Replace resolutions with reality.

Resolutions normally deal with actions you are not doing or want to change, calling attention to things that are currently not in your realm.  Through the Law of Attraction, we have learned that if you put energy towards something you don't have, it remains far from your grasp. A way to fool the universe is to "act as if" you have already achieved it and then give thanks for it being in your possession.  I realize this can be a bit of a stretch but it is based on the Alcoholics Anonymous saying, "Fake it 'til you make it." If you act as if you're already accomplishing the resolution and simply have gratitude for your achievement, before you know it…it will become a reality.

Step II: Old habits die hard, so trick them.

It takes a while to integrate any new program. Your body, mind and soul will still be craving that list of resolutions on January 1st. Alas, be strong. It is only a mild withdrawal  and can be managed by again outsmarting your psyche. It is looking for a written page, so give it one. But instead of putting the things you don't have in your life, simply inventory what you do, a gratitude list. And one of the best things you can do for yourself in 2012 is to keep that file growing daily as you begin to appreciate the many gifts that are in your life.

Step III: One day at a time.

It takes 21 days to reinforce new behavior. If you fall off the wagon so to speak and return to some old ways of thinking or acting, don't beat yourself up. Recognize the action or thought, try to determine what triggered it and plan ways to avoid doing it in the future.  This could mean staying away from certain influences (people, places or things) that prompt you to go back to your old ways. And even if you slip up, recognizing it is the first step.

Step IV: Recovery

 If you're not going to list your shortfalls anymore and instead will be grateful for all the wonderful things you've accomplished, I believe your life will take a turn for the better. By looking through new filters, ones of thankfulness and appreciation instead of scarcity and judgment, the process will become easier and the outcome guaranteed.

 Release yourself from the self-inflicted critic previously experienced through failing to follow through after all those previous New Year's.  . .no more remorse in 2012, give Resolution Rehab a try.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.