Same headlines, just different people. There were elections, wars, new babies born, promotions, bankruptcies, etc.
Bottom line:
The only thing you can change or influence with any real certainty is yourself.
Maybe you want to lose weight, get off medications, boost your energy or overall optimize your health. Maybe, you have been wanting to do this for a while.
Regardless, you only have one chance at life and the start of the new year is irrelevant. This message could be coming to you either the first of the year, or any other day of the year, for that matter. We only get one shot at life and one chance to make our own headlines. Rather than think about what you want to accomplish the next year, think about one thing you can do tomorrow to enjoy the process of life, not the outcome of life.
So, why do we fail and fall short of our goals.
I believe there are 3 major factors (there are others, of course, but I think these are big ones).
1. We want everything right now.
And, if we don’t get it right now, we often say to heck with everything, what’s the point!? Be patient with yourself and realize that the only thing that matters is trying your best in the moment. Trying your best that very day. And not holding a grudge over yourself from what you did or did not accomplish yesterday.
2. Environment.
Many lead researchers (including myself) agree and have identified that upwards of 70-80% of our current behavior is governed by our environment, meaning: Our top 5 friends, the work we do, the places we spend our free time, the books we read, the videos we watch, etc. all shape our future. So, ask yourself, where to I want to be headed, and start spending energy in that environment.
3. Be kind to yourself.
Many people beat themselves up mentally for their made up self imposed and self perceived short comings. The power of negative and positive self chatter has much more lasting and long term affects than most people realize or appreciate. So, the next time you are driving or in the shower, ask yourself, how can you be sure you are filling yourself with positivity vs. negativity. I always tell my team- we do not have problems, we have opportunities for solutions. The power of thought and words carry just that: power.
Regardless of how 2016 went or how 2017 goes, remember one thing- focus on the things you have control over and realize that change (good or bad) is a process, not an event.
Here’s to making the rest of your years the best of your years,
Dr. G