This time of year resolutions abound. Whether it is to lose weight, exercise more, eat better, write that book, make more, save more, meditate daily or spend more time with friends or family, we become inspired to better ourselves on many aspects of our lives. January is the time that Health Club memberships soar and Trainer’s schedules are full. The problem is the initial motivations to keep our resolutions usually fade with time.
In my opinion, a wish or resolution is something we hope for. A goal is something that is written down, read daily and focused on. Educators know about facilitation. It’s how we learn. It is about repetition until a new skill, idea or habit becomes part of who you are. On a neurological level facilitation is about overcoming resistance. The more a nerve pathway is used in the body, the easier it becomes for the nervous system to use that pathway, until it becomes almost automatic, or a habit. It’s like learning how to drive from our home to your new job. The first few days you need to focus on every turn and landmark. Over time, you drive to work don’t even have to think about the route.
By writing down your goals, reading them daily, focusing on them, and of course taking action on them, you will accomplish them faster than just hoping. Obtaining your goals is a process of retraining, and creating new habits. If your goal is to lose weight, just thinking about losing weight is not going to get you there. You need to take action; you need to decrease your caloric intake and increase your physical activity. You need to be committed. It takes 21 days to create a new habit. If you can successfully exercise, read that hour a day, keep electronics devices out of the bedroom, or whatever your goal is for the next 21 days, you will have facilitated the neurological pathways in your brain, in essence creating new habits, and will be on your way to achieving your specific goals!
Remember to make your goals obtainable, write them in the present tens , post them out in a place you will see every day (like your bathroom mirror) and remember to reward yourself when you reach each goal. Then create new obtainable goals!
My new favorite quote is from Albert Einstein (at least new to me):
“Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want
And you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is
Physics”
Your thoughts are the energy that has created your present reality. Be careful about what you think about. Create your personal vision on your physical, financial and social wants, and then take action to achieve that reality!
I wish you a healthy New Year!
Brad Weiss, D.C.
[email protected]