What is standing in the way of your Happy New Year?

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
― Mary Oliver, New and Selected Poems

I hope that each and every one of you had a beautiful holiday season and is optimistically looking forward to 2013.  January brings a sense of renewed hope and promise as we naturally contemplate new beginnings and all we wish to accomplish in the New Year.  Often times, we call these resolutions.

As I listen to people talk about what they want for themselves in 2013, I think of Mary Oliver’s exquisite poem (above).  We often know what we want, or at least have some idea of the directions and projects we want to pursue, enjoy and complete.   Simultaneously, we often run into obstacles.

Three things I most often see standing between people and the achievement of their goals or resolutions are:

1.     Lack of confidence

2.     Lack of organization

3.     Lack of support

In support of being where you want to be at this time next year, I offer you three ideas.  I like to think about where you will be next year at this time as you take on these practices.

1.     The Confidence Jar – Find a substantial size jar, such as a Mason jar, and label it your Confidence Jar.  Take some time to create a nice label and affix the label to the outside of the jar.  Beginning right now, commit to writing all the things that happen to you or the things people say to you that let you know you are doing alright.  This can be something seemingly small, such as someone saying, “Thank you, the card you sent really made my day.”  You may add a copy of the deposit slip for the amount of money you promised yourself you would save in a particular month.  You can write something your boss or a coworker said you did a good job with.  When your confidence begins to wane as you plod through chapter three of the book you are writing, take a moment and read the items in the jar.  Always replace the items.  Read them when you need to, when you want to or on a schedule such as at the end of every month.  It will be interesting to see how this effects you and your ability to remain on track with your resolutions.

2.     Please commit to establishing and maintaining a calendar in 2013.  If you struggle with AD/HD or other executive functioning issues it is extremely important to keep a calendar.  Sit down at the same time every week and plan your week.  There are many systems for documenting one’s calendar.  Take the time to create the one that works for you. 

3.     Choose someone to check in with on a consistent basis to help keep you accountable to the tasks you have committed to.  This can be your partner, a friend, family member or coworker.  Tell them what you are working on and ask if they would be willing to have you check in with them on a consistent basis to help you remain on track with your goals.  I find that the clients who check in with me regularly, even in small ways, remain on track and achieve their goals most readily.

Have fun with all of this!

May this year bring you health, happiness, prosperity, laughter, and joy.

Most sincerely,

Barbara.