Right about now, most of us start thinking about the New Year. We dream about what we want to change and accomplish, about what’s possible with a clean slate.
Have you been here before, but never seem to get much past the “hope and wish” stage?
Making change is uncomfortable. Even if we want what change brings, inertia can keep us stuck. Old beliefs can keep us stuck. We get in our own way and we don’t even know it. Or we do, but we don’t know what to do about it.
Whether your dreams for the New Year are for better health and vitality, more energy, or reaching your ideal weight (or something altogether different), you’ll need to shift in ways you likely haven’t considered. I’d like to offer a couple ideas.
First, if your desires are about making health and weight loss a priority (while enjoying life and not counting every damn calorie), then schedule a strategy session with me for January. Get it on the calendar and handled so you don’t have to think about it the rest of the month. In a few weeks we’ll talk about what you want, what stops you from getting it, and decide if it makes sense to work together.
Second, I recommend three books, any one of which will take you deeper into the behavior shifts you will need to make, whatever your dreams:
- Essentialism: Still my favorite book of the last two years (I’ve read it three times). If you never seem to dedicate the necessary time to get what you say you want, this book is for you. And if you can’t seem to say no and set boundaries to achieve what’s most important, you needed this yesterday.
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F^@(: So, you have to be okay with the F-word. In a clear and frank manner, the author shows how we put our energy toward things that don’t matter and tell ourselves stories that prevent our success. He also offers guidance for overcoming those sabotaging behaviors.
- Your Best Year Ever: If you like goal setting, Michael Hyatt provides a helpful framework. You’ll measure your current satisfaction in several areas and identify what’s most important to you. When setting goals, he helps you determine your motivation and next steps toward attainment. I’ve used this process for several years and highly recommend it.
With just a couple weeks to go, you can take small steps to set yourself up for a great New Year. And while you may be planning and imagining possibilities for the future, remember to stay present and make the most of every day this year, too.
And if you decide to schedule a call with me, I look forward to getting to know you and talking about the amazing possibilities for your health and your body!