Whoopierific Ways to Keep Resolutions

Do you think that actually going to the yoga class is more beneficial than walking around in stretch pants all day?  There IS a plus to looking like a OOOOOmanista with a green juice.  For istance, I feel flexible.  It's easy to get in and out of my car with packages.  And people think I worked out.  Guess it doesn't really meet the resolution to practice getting more grounded.  Yoga is supposed to be such a good stress reliever.  My issue is that when I do my downward dog, I end up sounding like Queen LaQueefa.  That's not zen, it's freaking noisy.  

According to Forbes magazine, only 8% of us will keep our New Years Resolutions.  It's freaking hard to change.  Some experts say that to break a habit, you have to replace it with a new habit. They suggest we rewire the brain with a new, positive trigger, and reward yourself.   Guess that means to get the benefit of a downward dog, I'll need to do an online class in private, and treat myself to a green juice in public.  This is making me feel so grounded.  It really is a practice.

Watch my take on ways to make resolutions stick or read more ideas below...

 

Say you want to exercise more.  Join a gym with a friend.   The accountability of having a buddy with you will actually keep you showing up.  Take a class that is enjoyable.  You are more likely to stick to anything if you add an element of fun.  Zumba is hit and half because we shake it like a Polaroid. 

Want more happiness?   Try a celebratory attitude by finding a reason to celebrate the every day.  It can be simple - I didn't yell at my kids today.  Or, whoo hoo, I slept 8 hours last night.  Some people might put this in the gratitude category.  There are oodles of unique "holidays" if you need a little extra help.  Last week was Elvis' birthday so we had pb & banana sammies for dinner.  Next week there is National Hug Day.  I resolve to try the "more-than-you-were-expecting" hug on a few people. 

DAYS TO CELEBRATE THIS WEEK:
1/13 Tuesday - Make Your Dream Come True Day.  Better than a resolution, this is buket list material for dreaming big.  Check out Before I Die http://beforeidie.cc/site/  Candy Change painted an abandoned building with chalkboard paint and started a movement. 

Anyone walking by could pick up a piece of chalk, reflect on their lives, and share their personal aspirations in public space.

Anyone walking by could pick up a piece of chalk, reflect on their lives, and share their personal aspirations in public space.

Anyone walking by could pick up a piece of chalk, reflect on their lives, and share their personal aspirations in public space.

Before I die I want to _______.” Anyone walking by could pick up a piece of chalk, reflect on their lives, and share their personal aspirations in public space.

1/14 Wednesday - Dress Your Pet Day:  Oh gawd!  

1/15 National Hat Day:  As if we didn't wear enough hats!  Pick your favorite actual hat or don a metaphoric one. 

1/19 MLK Day of Service - Get out there and help somebody.  If you have kids, check out the shelters.  They often need people to volunteer to make sandwiches.  They also gave us a tour of the facility and it was good for the kids to see where the ladies sleep.  All bunk beds are not created equally.

Whoop it Up!

I HAD A DREAM AND I WROTE IT DOWN

DREAM BIG!  

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO THIS YEAR?  Instead of focusing on what you need to stop doing this year, think of what you want to DO, what you want to BE, what you want to HAVE.  For inspiration, visit a site of wishes. http://beforeidie.cc/    It started because a woman named Candy Chang from New Orleans lost someone dear to her.  She grieved and decided to do something that would celebrate life.  She painted an abandoned house with chalkboard paint and a movement began.  She has a TED talk, book, and newsletter.  

In my studies to practice positive psychology (POSITIVE PSYCHO here), research shows that writing down your goals, your wishes, your desires is the best way to make them happen.  In the best-selling book, What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School, author Mark H. McCormack describes a Harvard study conducted between 1979 and 1989. Graduates of the MBA program were asked to set clear, specific, written goals for their future, together with written action steps to accomplish them. The most interesting finding was that the 3 percent of graduates who had clear, written goals were earning, on average, 10 times more than 97 percent of their graduating class.

A friend asked me to write down my BEFORE I DIE.  Here goes:

Before I Die I want to tour the pyramids, dance around Stonehenge, be a contributing correspondent for a TV show on a regular basis and get paid lots for it, see my kids grow up to have great self esteem, have a life-long love affair with Dan, have crazy mad fun, create a movement that encourages others to whoop it up to live the sweet life.  

What are your BEFORE I DIE wishes?

Whoop it up...we only have one chance to be on this planet.   The video below is from a TV appearance I did on how to keep resolutions and goals.  enJOY!