New Year’s Resolutions? Why are you talking about them in February? Good question and I believe I have a good answer for you.
Those statisticians that monitor such things as resolutions tell us that most don’t last beyond 5-7 weeks. So here we are. A full 7+ weeks past New Year’s Day. How are you doing? Are you still working towards keeping those resolutions or did you give them up long ago?
If you are like most people, your resolutions are long gone. That’s because most people make resolutions that call for changes that are too big to make in the short time they give themselves. If you are like the people who are diligently working towards making the changes you set out to make, then you have probably decided upon realistic changes.
I’m sure you’ve heard the answer to the question, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Making changes, if to be done successfully, should be done the same way. One step at a time.
Instead of making a complete overhaul in your life, it is best to focus on just one small change that is a step towards the major change you seek. See how many steps you can create. Some of the steps may take you only a few hours to make while some may take you a few weeks to make. Move from one step to the next but only after a successful completion. It’s easy to slide back to old habits so be sure you are ready to move on before doing so.
We all know someone who makes a resolution to lose 50 pounds in too short a period of time instead of focusing on losing 5 pounds 10 times. That second method makes for a potential successful resolution. Each time 5 pounds are lost, celebrate – without food – and plan to lose the next 5 pounds. People who have done that have succeeded usually beyond their expectations.
There is nothing so debilitating as the continuous stress of failing to realize goals. Think how liberating it would be to continually experience the success of achieving small steps. Wouldn’t that just Engergize Your UMF!
Have you ever noticed how mentally draining a problem, a beef, with another can be? Have you spent a lot of time stewing over what to do or say when you’ve had a disagreement? There’s only one way to handle that so you can Energize Your UMF! Handle the beef in a timely manner.
Many people have found that matters only get worse when they try to settle the disagreement without taking the time to become less emotional and more rational. They will sometimes say things they wished they hadn’t in the heat of the moment. Things that can’t be unsaid.
However, some have spent days and days stewing because they wouldn’t take the initiative to settle things. If left too long, there is a tendency to start compounding the reason for the disagreement. Other things come to mind that in the past were not a big deal but when added up create a monster problem.
Finding the balance is key to keeping your mind trouble free. Don’t jump on things when you are reacting emotionally. Don’t stew over things for days on end. Take the initiative to clear the air and come to some kind of agreement. Even if it’s only agreeing to disagree.
Leaving things unsaid is a different recipe for disaster. The less you say, the more troubled your thoughts become. Soon you can’t look that person in the eye for fear they’ll see your upset, animosity, annoyance or whatever else it has become. Avoidance soon becomes the norm.
The most effective and efficient way to Energize Your UMF! is to tackle difficulties promptly. That might mean laying low for a time while you sort out how you are going to handle things. It is important to get your emotions under control so you speak from a state of reason.
You will find that you have more energy when you are at peace with those around you. Keep short accounts with others. Handle disagreements in a timely manner. You will be glad you did!
