Resolutions 2.0: Building?-?Not?Fixing

Special Edition - Happy New Year

As a life coach, author, and someone who has faced the profound challenge of loss, I've come to intensely appreciate the preciousness of time. Each fleeting moment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seizing the day and acting on what truly matters to us.

Resolutions: The Misguided Approach

Ah, resolutions - those promises we make to ourselves, often shelved under the pretext of 'starting tomorrow' or 'when the time is right.' But why do we delay what we deem important?

In my journey, I've concluded that resolutions often disguise themselves as excuses. They're deferred dreams wrapped in the veil of 'I should' or 'I'll do it later.' The reality is, the best time to embark on something significant is now.

The Failure of Resolutions

Shifting from Fixing to Building

Resolutions often stumble because they're often about fixing, not building. They lack a genuine connection to our identity and the person we aspire to become. I believe this is behind the abandonment by most of New Year’s resolutions.

Research suggests that a significant percentage of people abandon their New Year's resolutions relatively early in the year. Studies indicate that around 80% of individuals tend to give up on their resolutions by mid-February. This drop-off in commitment often occurs due to various factors, including unrealistic goals, lack of a clear plan, or difficulty in sustaining motivation over time.

Instead of aiming to 'lose weight' or 'quit smoking,' envision yourself as the person who values health and wellness. It's about adopting a new identity, not just fulfilling an obligation.

“Embrace today; sculpt your identity with each moment seized.”?—?Robert Pardi

Embracing Small Steps

Furthermore, resolutions often crumble under their own weight due to their ambitious scale. Instead of setting overwhelming first steps, start small. Small, seemingly insignificant steps, taken consistently, form the foundation for remarkable change. The law of compounding will kick in – trust me. This is what Kaizen philosophy is based upon.

The Kaizen philosophy, rooted in the Japanese concept of continuous improvement, provides a valuable framework for achieving sustainable change. It emphasizes the power of small, incremental steps over drastic overhauls.

Applying Kaizen to Resolutions:

• Break down your goals into bite-sized pieces that you can tackle daily.
• Celebrate your progress,?no matter how small,?to reinforce your motivation.
• Regularly review your goals and adjust them as needed to maintain your momentum.

Kaizen's Benefits:

• Increased motivation and self-efficacy
• Greater likelihood of long-term success
• Enhanced overall well-being
• Smoother integration of new habits into your lifestyle

Examples of Kaizen in Action:

• Fitness: Start with a 10-minute walk each day and gradually increase the duration.
• Nutrition: Add a serving of fruits or vegetables to each meal and gradually expand your palate.
• Language Learning: Dedicate 15 minutes daily to practicing a new language and gradually increase your practice time.
• Organization: Create a weekly plan and stick with it, gradually incorporating more structure into your routine.

Redefining Resolutions

The crux of the matter lies in acknowledging that our conventional approach to resolutions is flawed. What we truly need is a paradigm shift – a redefinition of our objectives as building blocks for a higher self.

Regular reassessment of your resolutions and their connection to your evolving identity is key. Embrace flexibility and adaptability in your goals. Adjustments may be necessary as you grow and your aspirations transform. Regular reflection ensures alignment with your evolving self.

A Call to Action: Seize the Power of Now

Let us bid farewell to procrastination, excuses, and the 'I'll start tomorrow' mentality. Embrace the transformative power of the present moment. Take that first step, no matter how small, towards the person you aspire to be. Remember, transformation begins in this very now.

You can find a bunch of free resources on my website to help you craft your 2024: https://www.robertpardi.com/working-with-me/free-resources

Please visit my website www.robertpardi.com if you would like to learn more about me and my philosophy of Possibility in Action?. #possibilityinaction

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