Defining Happy

Ok so I guess I’ve abandoned this blog been away long enough.  So let’s get this party started…..again.

It’s a brand spanking new year and judging by the decreasing amount of cars in the gym parking lot it’s about that time where some of us start to slack on our mile long list of New Year’s resolutions.  I know we are all tired of hearing the cliché “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” but that’s one of the most real and straight-to-the-point quotes I have ever heard.  

Take a moment and ask yourself (AND BE HONEST) how many things from last years list of resolutions made it on over to this years list of resolutions?………………………………….. <– that’s me waiting while you try to come up with an excuse a valid reason for recycling the same resolutions OVA and OVA.  Just so you don’t feel alone I will admit that not only did I set a goal last year to post on this blog at least 2 times a week but I had also resolved to get my sexy back and fit in to the 193 pair of size 6 jeans that are sitting idle at the bottom of my closet. Whatever the reason let’s do something different this time around. And just in case you have no clue how to make that happen I’m going to share a few tips with you.

 6 Simple Tips For Sticking To Your Resolutions

1. STOP SETTING RESOLUTIONS ON JANUARY 1st! – Since I think it’s soooo corny (yes I used that word) to follow what everyone else is doing, get off of the bandwagon. I know it’s a tradition to conjure up this huge list of things you want to achieve over the next 12 months and every year they start promptly on January 1st. Well, January 2nd for some people because the first day of the year is usually spent recovering from whatever festivities you’ve participated in the night before but I digress.  By now, I’m sure it’s a habit to start anew on the first day of the year but who needs that kind of pressure? Really. Pick a different day to start. Tomorrow….or even today would be fantastic. It’s still a brand new day. Full of possibilities and 24 whole hours for you to start making moves and tackling those goals.
2. START SMALL AND BE MORE SPECIFIC – Am I the only one who at some point or another has started the year off by vowing to lose 30 lbs in 30 days, to read 20 books in two weeks, or to give up candy and sweets cold turkey? Why not start small and chop those huge goals down in to several attainable steps.  For example: “I will lose 30lbs in 30 days” will not be as effective as “I will make healthier meal choices during the week and be work out at least 3 times a week.  My goal is to lose one to two pounds a week and I will reach my goal of 30 pounds lost by the end of the year. “Doesn’t the latter statement seem easier to keep up with? So, shorten your laundry list and be more specific when writing out your goals!  
3. CELEBRATE THE MILESTONES – This involves patting yourself on the back for tackling and completing the baby steps along the way. For example, if your goal is to go back to school and complete your degree, a milestone would be signing up for a class or researching schools that offer your degree of choice. Feel free to break out in an impromptu running man or look in the mirror and give yourself a “You Go Girl/Boy!” to congratulate yourself for taking a step in the right direction.
4. RECRUIT AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER – aka your “Positivity Posse” . This can be a group or even one person who you share your list of resolutions with and in turn they can do the same. You should encourage, congratulate, and help each other celebrate when you’ve reached important milestones. DISCLAIMER: Be careful when selecting the people in your posse. Steer clear of any negative Nino’s or Nancy’s or anyone who is notoriously unsupportive and pessimistic. That’s obviously not a good look when you’re trying to stay motivated. It also helps if those people are also hungry for change and actively making moves in the right direction.
5. IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED… – We’re human and life happens. There are plenty of things that can and will happen along the way that can derail us or stall our progress. Don’t be discouraged just dust yourself off and try again. No one ever promised us that the road to achieving our dreams and goals would be easy but I promise you that in the end it will definitely be worth it. Stay focused and make sure to phone a friend (i.e. Positive Posse) if you need a boost.
6. JUST DO IT! – I had to steal borrow this from Nike. Dreams don’t work unless you do so get off your bum and your phone or computer or whatever device you are using to read this blog and let’s get to work!!

I’m officially coining 2015 the year to “MAKE “IT” HAPPEN!!“

Peace and Blessings,

Vee