The ‘‘UnResolution’’-Give Yourself a Break!
Cartoon courtesy of Gustavo Rodriguez www.garrinchatoonz.com
We have come to the point in the year when we have stopped wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Many of us are back to the rhythm of our daily routine, including an unruly government that had shut itself down after reading the first draft of this post.
The stress and responsibilities of life may be ramping up again, and the post-holiday blues may be getting you down. You may even be berating yourself if you’ve started to waver on the resolutions you made a few weeks ago to improve your life in small or big ways. Admonishing oneself is rarely the road to success. Keep in mind, of those who make them, about half people succeed in their New Year’s Resolutions, and the other half don’t.
Which is more motivating, self-discipline or dedication to making the changes you want to see in yourself? Are you more likely to feel inspired to continue forth if you are feeling self-critical or if you are relaxed and well-rested?
This week’s action item is to give yourself a break. Find a hole in your schedule and use that time to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. No television, reading, online chatting, internet surfing, chores or even socializing with friends. Just be quiet for an hour this week and see how that feels to you. If you can’t find a hole in your schedule, create one. Cancel a meeting that isn’t mandatory, skip that television program that eats an hour out of your day, or decline an invitation you could postpone until next week.
Let me know in the comments below how taking this action of inaction feels to you. Were you re-energized and more motivated as a result? Did unexpected feelings arise? I am eager to hear from you and as always, I am rooting for you.
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