A few weeks ago, I wrote a short bit on “New Year’s REVOLUTIONS.” I wanted to take a moment to follow-up with that thought. Many times, we think about our aspirations for the future and we go as far as calling it a goal or resolution. And many times, that is where the preparation for change ends. For some, thought is all it takes to create change. But for most of us, we will need constant reminders and more concrete foundation for our desired changes.

While working my way through school, I sought out changes in many areas of my life. One change I vowed to make was to create a sense of direction. I learned much about setting and achieving goals and what this process entails. Understanding the process was as simple as seven easy steps:

1.) Create a Vision – It is vitally important the success of your goals to determine exactly what it is you would like to you accomplish. Take time to visualize where you intend to end up when you goals are accomplished. Visualize with detail; smell, taste, feel etc. The key to visualization is to make your image of success as vivid as possible.

2.) Acknowledge Your Ability to Change – Many times we tell ourselves over and over that we cannot achieve change because we have failed in the past. Many times, failure is achieved because of a lack of preparation. Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” We all have the ability to make change happen, but we must be prepared for change and committed to the process of change.

3.) Define a Path – It is vitally important to create check points along your path to ensure success. This can be done by a process referred to as “Sub-goaling.” What I have found to be most effective is to determine the goal, and then break it down in to approximately seven smaller goals that will lead to the larger goal. Then, I take each of those seven ‘sub-goals’ and break them down into seven more. Eventually your large goal becomes a series of daily action steps that are easily accomplished if one is committed.

4.) Get Committed – It is understandable that sometimes life delivers adversity and makes it difficult to be committed to our desired outcomes. One of the most important parts of accomplishing a desired outcome is to be committed every day. To ensure success, begin a wake-up routine that includes a short period of self-reflection and reciting affirmations. Affirmations are short statements that are positive, spoken with enthusiasm out loud, and in the present tense. (i.e. I choose to make healthy choices for myself.) Affirmations will help to create a focus each day to ensure a successful outcome.

5.) Rest Well – To ensure success, begin each day the night before. Prepare yourself for each day by allowing yourself adequate rest. Be sure not to overtask yourself each day. When making decisions or participating in discussion, be sure to provide yourself with the energy and focus necessary to make it worth both your time as well as anyone else’s who may be involved.

6.) Stay Inspired and Stay Optimistic – Remember that inspiration and optimism will usually journey together. Keep inspirational quotes, thoughts and sayings around for those times when we need a little pick-me-up. Optimism is the tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation. To stay inspired and maintain a high-level of optimism, practice the art of positive thinking and always feed your mind positive, healthy input.

7.) Now is the Time to Start – Benjamin Franklin said “You may delay, but time will not.” There is never a better time to start anything positive than now. By investing in yourself now, it allows you much more time to enjoy the return on your investment! Henry Hartman said “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.”

By following these seven simple steps, you will be well prepared to accomplish those “Resolutions” that have come and gone in years past. Contact us today at Summit Chiropractic and Wellness Center to learn more about how we can help you become your best self.