Note: this piece first appeared in the March 2007 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.
Remember all those lists you made in December or early January? Can you believe that was just two months ago?
A lot can change in eight or ten weeks. Your priorities may have shifted because of life events, and looking back over the goals you set for 2007 may elicit all kinds of feelings — dread or guilt because you haven’t gotten started, anger at what has gotten in your way, defeat because you feel your goals aren’t attainable. Or perhaps you’ve come farther than you anticipated in your plan, and now you’re ready for a resolution tune-up.
This month, I invite you to review your 2007 New Year’s resolutions. March takes us from winter to spring, and spring is an ideal time to begin anew. Just imitate what you see around you in nature: budding plants, shoots peeking out from the ground, animals coming out of hibernation… Take inspiration from your environment and enjoy the process of reevaluating! Here’s how to do a quick and easy resolution checkup on your own:
1. Make a whole new list. Pretend today is New Year’s Day and make yourself a resolution list. Start with a clean slate. What are you working on right now, today? Remember, it’s okay to change your goals. Think of it as fine-tuning your plan rather than giving up on something.
2. Now, revisit your older list. How does your original resolution list differ from today’s? Did you forget about a resolution you really wanted to achieve?
3. Combine the two lists. Use only what works for you now. Take inspiration from both lists to get very clear on what your goals really are.
4. Make a plan. How will you achieve your new resolutions? Make a clear plan with specific steps, including action steps you can take in the next 24 to 48 hours.
5. Celebrate! Getting clarity on your goals is a major accomplishment. Enjoy!
