First off, I want to wish everyone Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas!
2012 is almost over and a New Year is upon us. As I reflect upon the past year, 2012 was busy and fulfilling. I published my second book this month, “It’s Not About the Belt, You Don't Need a Black Belt to Act Like One,” (Amazon), the UMAC Demo team competed successfully in several championships, many students have graduated to new levels, I hiked the Grand Canyon with Team in Training and raised over $30,000 for cancer research, my family enjoyed a much needed summer vacation in Arizona, and now I’m preparing to enjoy the holidays and get some skiing in.
2013 should be equally promising and I hope you make it a great year too.
Do you make New Year resolutions and then find it hard to keep them? Dr. Timothey Pychyl, PhD., may be able to help you by focusing on three ideas, “Meaning and Manageability”, “Emotions and Irrational Thoughts”, and “Setbacks, Mindfulness, and a Commitment to Start” in Psychology Today.
Are you ready for a New Year and a New You?
Your goal to "get more exercise" or "lose weight" or “stop smoking” may be falsely internalized and may be what someone else thinks is best for you (husband/wife, mother/father, sister/brother, or best friend). YOU need to own the goal, it has to have meaning to YOU. And if you are motivated, then YOU need to manage your intentions.
" I...
...am a couch potato
...need to reduce stress
...need to feel better about myself
...need to improve my self-confidence
...so I will join a martial arts program to to get in better shape and lose weight."
This is great and you’ve made the first step. You have a goal (get in better shape and lose weight), you’re ready to take action on a new behavior (join a martial arts program), and you are ready to change your situation (I am a couch potato...need to reduce stress...feel better about myself...improve my self-confidence).
But change is hard, so be nice to yourself, and be mindful of both the potential setbacks AND of the great things that can come with hard work and perseverance.
It takes 21 days to change a habit. You can do this. And when you do, you’ll be happy with your accomplishment and your new habit.
Did you notice in the beginning I didn't say "have" a great year? You can "make" it a great year, you are in control.
Are you ready to envision the New You in the New Year? Then "make" it great!
Look for my weekly blog every Monday providing tips and insights from UMAC Briarcliff, "Living a Black Belt Life".
