Solutions, Not Resolutions

I’ll be the first to say I have an issue with New Year’s resolutions. They kind of make me mad, actually. I’ve spoken with scores of women who begin the year with a to-do list of resolutions, only to use that list as a yardstick for their sense of failure before the buds on the trees begin to appear. (Okay, so perhaps I’m also referring to myself…) Instead of helping others with their resolutions, let’s transform them into effective solutions.

A solution is an answer. Resolution is grit, firm determination, struggle to overcome. Who wants to start the New Year struggling?

I certainly don’t.

I stopped doing resolutions years ago. What I have done instead is create solutions and goals for myself at the onset of my new year (my birthday). That said, the onset of a new calendar year still carries a lot of reflection and anticipation; it is a natural time to assess what you wish to change and do differently for the next 12 months.

Creating an effective solution and goal is more than just stating the desired outcome. Success comes most effortlessly when you have a very clear intention and a clear path to get there. When you feel the outcome in your body and soul, when you are invested in it, enlist support and stay connected to it – this is when you are most likely to achieve whatever your intentions are for the year.

Most resolutions fail for the following reasons:

• The creation of a vague goal (I want to lose 30 pounds – but by when? How?)
• Unrealistic expectations (I want to lose 30 pounds by Valentine’s Day!)
• Not keeping track of progress on a weekly or daily basis
• Failure to anticipate possible or known obstacles to achievement (stress-eating, PMS cravings, etc.)

It is a well-thought out goal that becomes an achievement.

Creating an effective goal means opening up to a creative solution. I find more excitement and success when I am not bearing down, gritting my teeth and resolving to get rid of extra weight or increase my activity, but when I am opening up to brainstorming and finding solutions to get what I want. Focus on what you want, not what you want to get rid of. One creates a positive feeling in the body, the other creates aversion and dread. As you focus on what you want in 2011, become so clear and connected to your achievement that you feel it in your body. Write down the emotions that arise from this vision of your future – such as peace, excitement, pride, elation. Weave these emotions into the fabric of your goal so that you connect to them each time you are reminded of where you are going (I am so light and free now that I have lost 40 pounds! I am overjoyed and proud of myself for running my first half-marathon!) When you have a strong connection to your goal, you can pull out a goal sheet, a journal entry, or a vision board to quickly reconnect you to what is waiting for you in moments of frustration.

With long-term goals, it is important to not only break that large goal into smaller pieces, but equally important to reward yourself along the way. Keep yourself inspired and motivated by giving yourself a treat at least once a week. It may be a pedicure, fresh flowers, that lovely Voyage Dress from Athleta’s new Spring collection – something which is a little extra gift to you for the effort you are putting forth to creating the life you want. This keeps motivation up and breaks what can seem a huge endeavor into smaller, more realistic pieces.

A successful solution includes the following:

• Reinforced commitment through strong, REGULAR positive emotional connection to your desired outcome.
• A game plan to overcome obstacles
• Monthly, weekly, and even daily mini-goals to keep you on a clear path to success. Break your goal down into doable steps that give you confidence.
• A system to measure progress
• Rewards along the way
• A support team for encouragement, inspiration, and a loving kick in the booty when you need it
• Visual reminders – a vision board, your desired salary written on a check, your goals written out and posted on the wall – what will remind you daily of your mission for 2011?

Creating the new habits that will lead to your success requires support. Each time we decide to make a significant change in life, it requires overriding how we’ve done things millions of times before. It is important to:

Start the day off right – ask each day – what can I do today to reach my goal? Begin from that place. Remind yourself daily through affirmations, using your day planner, placing post-it notes in strategic places, visualized meditations – whatever keeps you aware and focused!

Keep an encouraging mindset

– progress is not instant and each step, no matter how small, is still a step in the right direction. Find support through online or in-person communities, family, friends – someone you can reach out to when you get discouraged or have a setback so that so you get reconnected to yourself and your ideal future as quickly as possible.

These suggestions lay an excellent foundation for you to create a wonderfully rewarding and amazing year. If you have a specific direction you wish this year to go – in health, athletics, financially, or in your career, I encourage you to use this article as your platform for achievement. Here’s to the sweetest of fruits on your path in the coming year!

AIMEE GALLO is a marathon runner, indoor cycling coach, holistic nutrition counselor and personal trainer. When not out pursuing her athletic goals, Aimee is busy with her company, Vibrance Nutrition and Fitness, helping her clients meet their fitness and nutrition goals by utilizing a mind, body, and spirit approach… {more »}