Resolution Rescue

Style – 21 January 2014

The summer sun is taking its toll not just on our bodies, but on our capacity to stick to our new years resolutions. Yes, we were so determined to cut out those occasional cigarettes from our social scene, keen to lose some pounds and fit into our favourite pants once again, and daily exercise …. well, yes, that lasted all of a few weeks before the petrol in the motivation tank ran dry.

But fear not. Resolutions are hard to stick to – and it’s okay to stumble, because you can always pick yourself up and try again. And even again, if need be. Maybe tripping over in the first place is due to having unrealistic expectations, or doing little (or nothing) to get ourselves in the right frame of mind for what can be a significant lifestyle change.

So says womanwithdrive.com.au subscriber, Helen Mitas – Founder of Hypnofit, who contacted WWD to offer tips on how to stick to personal goals in the daily cut and thrust of our busy lives.   ”Ninety-two per cent of new year’s resolutions will fail,” says Helen, a leading hypnotherapist specialising in addictions, depression and anxiety, “because most resolutions are flawed.”

Have a look at Helen’s list of 10 fatal flaws that prevent your resolutions from going the distance.

1. No Planning

Resolutions are usually made at the last minute with little thought as to what people really want and how they will achieve them.

Tip: Transform your scattered thoughts to an action plan in your tablet or notebook.

Capture what, when and how your resolution will be achieved.

2. Vague resolutions

If you don’t see the target – how can you possibly hit the target?

Tip: Create a vision board of exactly what you want in every area of your life and put it in a spot that you see it throughout the day.

3. No emotional connection to the resolution

Emotion is the driving force to our actions. Your goals will only propel you forward if you can feel the reason WHY you want to achieve them.

Tip: Capture all the reasons as to why you want to achieve your goals. What will happen if everything stays the same and nothing changes in 1 year, 5 years and 10 years? What will your life be like if you DO achieve your goals in 1 year, 5 years and 10 years? How will you feel?

4. No real belief that you will achieve your resolution

Tip: Spend a couple of minutes every morning visualising your desired outcome so that it becomes entrenched within your belief system.

5. Stating your resolutions in the negative

Tip: Check the way you have written your resolution and make sure you write what you want and NOT what you don’t want. You need to be looking forward, not backwards.

6. No accountability

Tip: Tell as many people as you can. Place a status on Facebook and Twitter. Be accountable to others as well as yourself.

7. Goals written as something you are going to do

Goals need to be written in the present tense e.g. “…it’s mid-March and I am wearing my brand new Size 10 jeans and I feel young and sexy.”

Tip: Use powerful words such as “I AM” or “I HAVE” not “I will” not “I’m going to”

8. Goals are often not realistic

Tip: Make your goals realistic but still make them big enough to excite you.

9. Goals are often not dated

Tip: Set a date that you can see, circle the date on your calendar and consistently check every day to make sure that you are taking action towards your goal with that date in mind.

10. No rewards for achievements along the way

Reward yourself along the way for your focus and good work. Write down your achievements. When you fall (we all do), make sure you re-read those achievements and remind yourself of what you are really capable of.

Tip: Treat yourself with indulgences that are real rewards for your body and mind such as massages, new clothes, personal training sessions or a good book.

For more about Helen visit www.hypnofit.com.au