This is the famous time of the New Year’s Resolutions. We save up all of our energy, build up all the muster we have, to make the big push to change something. If we could only apply all the time we spend waiting to implement the change to the actual change, most of us would be more successful than less in our new habits.
The crux of the issue boils down to motivation and accountability. Some would throw in desire, but I have all the desire I need to start anything, but I really need that motivation that comes from accountability to succeed. “The experts” say it takes 91 days to change a habit. I think they are right. It takes 91 days to make the new habit an old habit.
But if we are going to make it to 91 days, we need a plan with some measurable goals. But don’t spend too much time thinking about your plan. We love to plan in this country, the shelves are filled with dust covered intentions. You already know what areas you want to improve, pick one and get started!
So if you need to eat healthier, make a plan to eat a salad every day or bring a lunch to work three days per week. You might decide to walk for 30 minutes, rain or shine, three or four days a week. These are measurable goals that will eventually lead to the bigger goal of losing weight or increasing your stamina or whatever.
So let’s get started! Most of us already have a mental plan, the plan needs shoe leather. I can’t resist one farmer’s comment at this time: “It is hard to get the field plowed, if you never put the plow in the field.” So let’s put the plow in the field. Plowing isn’t always easy and it isn’t always pretty, but if you don’t start plowing, you can’t plant and if you don’t plant you can’t harvest (your goals).
Now tell a spouse, a friend, your farmer (smile) about your goals and ask them to motivate and encourage and hold you accountable on your new venture. Just get going. You can’t harvest your goals, until you plow the field.
Happy Plowing!
Tristan