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Last week I shared some of my goals for the new year. So far, so good. I’m doing more miles than planned, but could not get to my favorite strength training class (car troubles) more than once. I practiced my French twice but had to rush through, not fun. And, I am actually getting this post out before the end of the week. So, the next question is: How will you reward yourself?
As you can see, many things can get in the way of our plans. I suggest that you focus on rewarding your efforts, not just the comnpletion of a goal. For many of us, just seeing the results from having worked the steps can be enough reward. I still believe that having actual rewards makes the journey more interesting. So, how do you pick rewards?
First of all, I make a list of things that I enjoy that are not too expensive , must still be practical. If you feel guilty about the price of something, you are more likely to sabotage your own efforts so keep the price low. Some of my favorite items include: 1) fresh flowers from the grocery store; 2) new music on ipod for running; 3) a free hour roaming in the bookstore checking out new magazines; 4) a new item for workouts, like a top or socks.
It is most important that if your goal includes weight loss that you do NOT make food or treats your reward. Yes, we must use common sense and allow our rewards to keep us motivated, not cause a setback. So, are you planning to reward yourself with anything specific? Let me know.
Just a couple more days and we will be in 2011 – seemes hard to believe that this year is practically over. If you are like me, you probably spent too much time with your head in a tizzy from all that was going on. Well, take a deep breath and let’s try to focus on a few of the highlights of this year before we say ‘bye-bye’ to 2010.
As you know, I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. I believe they cause more stress than encouragement for most people. And, really, do you actually believe that this time will be different? Why start the new year feeling like a failure by mid-January?
Instead, I encourage people (and myself) to make clear specific goals, and to break them into small, achievable steps. For example, rather than promising to lose weight, focus on eating more vegetables and working out three times a week. This way your goal is proactive and you are being responsible.
But before you even make those goals, take some time before midnight on December 31st to look at your accomplishments from this year. It might be challenging to recall some of your successes but that is why we must do it, this is not bragging. We need to acknowledge our successes. We know that the mistakes are always fresh on our minds. So, make a list of what you did well this year and celebrate a little. Look at how that success may change your life.
I know for me getting my first book out and doing some public speaking events helped me identify some different goals, things that I would have said were not for me. Don’t count things out because they might be a little scary – you never know what is just around the corner.
