It seems appropriate to post this at the beginning of a new year, since so many of us make new year’s resolutions, even if we do it in secret.
Instant gratification is not the friend of the New Year’s Resolution. We are so used to getting things when we want them now in this modern world: microwave popcorn, movies on the internet, mail ( I miss getting letters though), ebooks… We decide we want it and can have it, almost instantly!
But when you are envisioning losing 20 pounds or doubling your income in the upcoming year, instant is, shall we say, not instantaneous.
You dream this amazing year of throwing out the fat pants and buying a new wardrobe, of getting a bigger office, or planning a vacation with all your new wealth and then you fall out of the sky and land back in the present. Your joy meets reality and disintegrates. Happiness turns into the Eeoyore voice saying “but that will never happen” ” I’ll never get there, it’s impossible” or worse “I’ll start tomorrow. I want to watch a movie and make popcorn”
As the year goes on, you give up a little more each day. With the occasional burst of energy that gets you to the gym or into the office a few extra hours. It often doesn’t last long enough to make an impact.
So what’s an Eeyore to do?
First, dream the dream and really step into it. Use all your senses! And then ask the question “what one thing can I do today?” You have to start from where you are to get to where you want to go and you probably want to consider changing some habits.
So, what can you do today to get one step closer to that goal? Is it building better habits? Maybe it’s less sitting and more walking? Evaluating your efficiency? Less popcorn??
Whatever you decide, pay attention to Eeyore. If he shows up, pat him on the head and remind him that you deserve to be happy and reach your goals. Decide and take action. Make sustainable changes and notice what is working as you go.
This will be the best year of your life. When you let go of needing to see instantaneous results, you will notice the long-term habits that will create the life you are envisioning, and the present and future will be bridged by one question: “what can I do today from where I am with what I have?”
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Vanderslice Coaching 