How is your resolution holding up?

This year, I have decided not to make any resolution! I am one of those (stubborn) people who usually makes her resolutions come true but this year; I’ve decided to preserve my freedom!

You know, you can decide to make resolutions in February or March. There is no need to wait until next year to change things in your life. Stop waiting! After reading this article, you should be able to do it.

Discipline

Yes, this is what you need to keep a resolution. First, you need the will to bring the concerned change, and then you need the discipline to make it real until it becomes a natural habit. A reflex if you prefer! Yes, you can do it, but give yourself time: 42 consecutive days. This is how I work with my clients and believe me, it works!

Routine and discipline are keywords… I prefer reflexes and good habits. Both are intermingled. First, firmly decide to accomplish your resolution and get into action. This is when discipline is important to implement a new routine. Daily habits are much easier to adopt than habits that occur every two or three days. This is why every day should have its actions that aim towards your goal.  A routine becomes easier over time and requires less effort. Routine and discipline slowly turn into reflexes and good habits and they will help you achieve your goals!

One at a time

Before achieving your resolution fully, try to adopt one habit at a time. Divide your resolution into clusters that will make its achievement easier. For example, if you want to lose weight: instead of changing your habits drastically, do it progressively. Write down three to six elements and get used to the first element for a week (for example, moving every day). If you did well throughout the week, add a second element (ex: drink more water).

Adapting to one habit at a time helps you avoid discouragement. Maybe you already experienced being full of good intentions only to give up a few days later… Do one small thing at a time and don’t forget to take pride in your progress! One day at a time is the ideal solution to achieve your goals.

Table of good habits

One of my coaching clients hated routines but she knew it was the best way of achieving work-life balance. Together, we built this table of good habits. It’s great! You only need to accomplish a chosen task every day for 42 consecutive days. If there is an interruption, the counter resets. After 42 days, the effort became a reflex; the chore has disappeared and is spontaneously done every day. The habit is implemented.

Perseverance is key during this tough exercise. “When we want, we can!” said another client who was very proud to say that she reached her goals. This tool is miraculous when you want to see the end of a resolution. It takes about 6 weeks – 42 days – to make a new habit fit into your routine. Try it out and write some habits that would make your daily routine better

• Focus on one habit at a time.
• If you skip a day, you must start over…
• To check a week, you must have taken on your new habit every day.

Do you have a friend who would like to make a resolution too? Two motivated moms are better than one! She will help you see your progress and talk about it while getting encouragement.

Be strong. You can do it!