Tips for keeping your resolutions in 2009

At the start of every year we all get so excited and "moved" to begin a new program, begin a regimen, or to just better our lives with goals/resolutions.
We usually all start off with great motivation and excitement for these new plans, and then after some months we sometimes find that our motivation has waned.
Here are some tips that I thought I'd share to help you in keeping true to your resolutions.

1.)Keep your resolutions aligned with your values
I highly recommend writing down your top 5 values (what you value in your life most.) For example: Family, Health, Spirit, Helping others, Honesty
We are more likely to follow through on the goals or resolutions that are aligned with our value system-because we remain passionate about what we value most. Check out your resolution list and see if it aligns with your values.

2.) Be Specific
Write down specifically what you would like, rather than generalizing.
For example: "I am going to pilates 3 days a week, and am substituting water for soda", rather than, "I want to lose weight."
Neither the Universe nor anyone else can know what we really want unless we are specific with our desires. Our mind has no choice but to picture and create our desired outcome when we specify this way.
Try it: Speak the first goal I wrote out loud and watch how the mind jumps to visualize it.

3.) Narrow It Down
Narrow down your resolutions to your top 3! We sometimes get carried away with all the new things to change and when we finally look at our list, there's 52 items! Hence, feeling overwhelmed and almost discouraged before we begin. So, choose the top 3 resolutions (that align with your values, and are specific) and place all of your energy into seeing those through. Our mind is sometimes like a 3 year old child, so we must give it some designed focus in order for it to stay in the game.
You might be pleasantly surprised that other things on your list get accomplished by default just by staying focused on the top 3! Funny how life works out that way!

4.) Keep It Positive
Write your resolutions/goals in a positive light by not using negative word statements.
For example: "I AM CHOOSING healthier foods like dark greens", rather than, "I am NOT eating junk food."
Research has found that our minds and bodies respond to goals that are stated with a positive flare, rather than with a negative word statement.

5.) Tangible Technique (Temporal Tapping)
Sometimes we need a little something tangible to assist the goal along.
Here is a great "Energy Therapy" technique that I use with many of my clients (and myself) in helping with goals. The technique simply "taps" into our psyche and our nervous system.
Step 1: BREATHE (this clears the mind temporarily of expectation and addiction.)

Step 2: Temporal Tapping Sequence: Tap the left side of the head (starting at your temple) around the ear from the front to the back with the three middle fingers of your left hand.

Step 3: State your desired outcome with a negative worded statement, in rhythm as you tap. For example: "I no longer crave sweets." (say this as you tap)

Step 4: Tap hard enough to feel a firm contact and a bit of a bounce. Tap from front to back about five times repeating your statement with each pass.

Step 5: Repeat the technique on the right side, tapping with your right hand, with a positive word statement. For example: "I eat healthily, I am in choice of what I eat."

Step 6: Tap hard enough to feel a firm contact and a bit of a bounce. Tap from front to back about five times repeating your statement with each pass.

Repeat this procedure several times per day. The more you tap in the affirmation, the quicker and stronger the effect is on your nervous system.

Quick note: I have found that this works wonders right before going to the grocery store, where cravings sneak up the most.
For individuals with strong cravings to sweets; I use this technique in conjunction with stirring 1 tsp of baking soda into 5oz. of water and swishing in the mouth (please don't drink it!) and then spitting it out. For some reason, the alkalizing effect of the baking soda calms the craving.

Please remember that when we "get rid" of things in our life...even if they are not useful to us. We sometimes feel depravity or lack simply by default. In order or to free our minds of this feeling, I usually recommend adding something-or substituting- for everything we "take away."
For example: "I am substituting white tea for the caffeinated black tea."
Or "I am giving up refined sugar and adding more sweetness from friends in my life."

In long and short, enjoy and celebrate this precious life!! Try to think about what will really matter in those last few moments left on earth....this might give you a better idea as to what means the most to you. All of a sudden, your goals for a year turn into goals for life! As you focus on what you might release physically, I'd also invite you to think about what you'd like to add emotionally to your life, also.
BE WELL!

With Love and Health,
Christy~