3 Easy Steps to Keeping New Year's Resolutions

Three simple steps to be more successful in keeping the resolutions, goals and intentions you set in the new year.

Everywhere I look, I see the word, “INTENTION” to describe the attitude, energy and OUTCOME for in the new year. I applaud the mindset, and focus on INTENTION. It is the foundation of the services I offer. The most common question I hear upon introducing the idea of being INTENTIONAL is – How do I be intentional?

Remember, there is no stupid question!

To be intentional in thought and action means there is physical and emotional space to gain clarity. As much as you are excited to start something new, you have to first assess for ways you can practice the three D’s - DE-CLUTTER, DELEGATE and DETOX.

When your plate is full, taking on something new often ends up feeling like just another thing! When the inspiration and enthusiasm subsides, it becomes hard to sustain the change you are trying to make. When you look at a task as something you HAVE to do, it is more likely to feel like a burden. Whereas, when you feel as though you are moving through your day approaching each thing with enough time to get it done, with a positive perspective and a willing mindset, you feel enthusiastic and willing. You then become more productive and feel more accomplished. These feelings build your confidence and competence.

Here’s how to prepare your mind and your environment to be intentional throughout your year!

De-clutter your mind and your space.

Look around you. What does your workspace look like? Are your papers filed or scattered all over your desk? Is your desktop flooded with icons or are things filed appropriately in folders?

What does your home look like? Are tables and counters clean and clear or are they cluttered with miscellaneous items that have not been put away or an overwhelming pile of mail? What about your closets? Are they organized with neatly folded towels and hygiene items stacked and organized, and clothes hung and organized by color? Or do you open the closet door and see things hanging from shelves and shoved at the bottom? How many junk drawers do you have scattered throughout your house?

To start de-cluttering your environment focus your attention on one area at a time. Depending on the amount of time you have to dedicate to de-cluttering, aim to complete one area each day or each week, and then MAINTAIN it. Set a goal to clear your workspace before leaving at the end of the day. Pledge to only touch a piece of paper ONCE – meaning you open the piece of mail and deal with it! It cannot go into a new pile! Finally, commit to a “Mise en place” lifestyle. Typically, this phrase is used to refer to everything in its place to begin cooking. This preparation is also helpful as you approach any project or task.

Delegate the activities, responsibilities and chores that you don’t need to be doing!

Any volunteers to give up cleaning the bathroom? My hand would be up too. It is my absolute least favorite thing to do. This chore takes me longer than it should to complete because I procrastinate. It hangs over my head and robs me of joy because my mind keeps reminding me it needs to get done. If you relate to what I’m describing, why not outsource and hire a cleaning person even two times per month to come in and do the bigger cleaning jobs like the bathroom so you no longer have to think about or do it. Think about how you could repurpose the time you would spend on cleaning the bathroom to instead get a workout in, or dedicate time to developing the business you are creating.

If you are a business owner like me, think about the “busy work” you do on a daily, weekly, monthly basis that is really below your pay grade. Shredding, filing, copying, faxing, data entry, social media marketing, and content creation are examples of things you could delegate to an office assistant or a social media manager for very little cost.

Parents think about delegating as the way to teach your children how to contribute and show appreciation for their environment. Of course the various chores need to be age appropriate, but think about what is expected of your child at school. They must maintain their workspace, cubby and contribute to tidying common play areas, AND THEY DO IT BEGINNING IN PRE-SCHOOL! So there is no reason why children can’t help empty garbage cans, fold laundry, set and clear the table, load the dishwasher, put groceries away, gather ingredients to make dinner, put their clothes away and make their bed.

Detox from the things that are no longer serving you!

 I’m not talking about a juice cleanse or eating a bunch of fruits and vegetables. I’m referring to evaluating what you are consuming from entertainment to media to purchases, and yes food, alcohol and numbing substances. Consider who you are spending your time with, because your attitude, habits and success are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

I’m not suggesting you draw a hard line in the sand and ban everyone and everything from your life that is not is direct alignment with the direction you are heading. Though, FOMO forces attention toward the things you think you need in your life.  Instead, consider the amount of time and frequency of these behaviors. In some instances a 30-day cleanse or break from certain activities, can reset your dependency on these people or things. The fear of missing out now transforms to JOMO – the joy of missing out! You relish in the freedom, and now have the opportunity to create your intentions.  

I hope this article was helpful to you as you kick-off the new year! There is every opportunity to be successful and consistent when you take the time to accomplish the three D’s first!