Ready to set some New Year’s resolutions?

Before diving into the specifics for all the goals you want to achieve, step back and take a high-level look at the year ahead.  What kind of year are you anticipating? 

Taking a big picture view of the year ahead provides valuable context to help you prioritize as you develop your goals. 

You drag your feet.  You procrastinate.  Perhaps you have a big job to complete and you feel overwhelmed, unsure of how to get started.  Perhaps you have an unpleasant task before you and you would simply rather not deal with it. 

Then there are those times when the task you're facing is neither all that big, nor particularly difficult or unpleasant.  Nevertheless, you still find yourself putting it off day after day.

A common maxim is that it takes 30 days to form a new habit.  If true, it should be fairly easy to get new behaviours to stick.  After all, if you can stick with something for 30 days, supposedly you're all set after that.  But is it really true?  Is 30 days all it takes to form new habits and turn things around?

While there is indeed some truth to this, the reality is a little more complicated.  

We've all been at that place where we need a little bit of inspiration, something to breathe fresh life into us and lift our spirits.  A bit of inspiration at the right time can leave you feeling refreshed and renewed, focused and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.
 
Here are some tried-and-true ways to find inspiration when you need it most.

We've all gone through periods when we felt tired, stuck, or unmotivated.  Your energy is down, and simply getting through each day may feel like a challenge.  Pushing yourself to take action during these times can be difficult, yet this is often precisely what's needed to start turning things around.   
 
In her book I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was, Barbara Sher emphasizes the importance of action when you're feeling stuck.  She also makes the connection between action and luck.  In short, your willingness to take some type of action directly influences the amount of good luck that comes your way.
 
Sher provides four good reasons for taking action, even when you're unclear about what you want or feeling unmotivated. 

Barbara Sher (14 August 1935 – 10 May 2020) was more than a successful therapist, author, career counselor, and public speaker.  She was a kind, compassionate, warm, and caring human being who shared generously from her wealth of knowledge, wisdom and insight.

Sher's expertise, creativity, and great sense of humour all contributed to her appeal.  But what made her so magnetic was her love for people and deep desire to see them reach their full potential.  Sher was passionate about helping people live rich, joyful, and fulfilling lives.  She was devoted to helping people overcome obstacles on the way to achieving their dreams. 

Goals are exciting and energizing.  A goal gives you something to focus on immediately, while also providing something to look forward to.  Whether you're saving for a special vacation, or trying to be more punctual, the focus and discipline required to achieve a goal can bring out the best in you.

At the same time, instead of feeling inspired and motivated by our goals, you can find yourself feeling trapped by them.  You don't gain by pursuing a goal that only leaves you feeling trapped, burdened or drained.  Here are four ways you can prevent that from happening. 

How do you stray strong and keep your composure in the midst of challenges?  How do you keep from being swept away when the currents of life get rough and choppy?  How do you stay centred when unexpected events threaten to knock you down and throw you off course? 

Rituals can help.  Regardless of whatever is going on in your life, meaningful rituals can shift both your frame of mind and your physiological state, so you're better equipped to maintain (or regain) your bearings in any circumstance.
 
Here are five kinds of rituals that will support your total well-being, while helping you stay strong and centred as you go through challenging times.