Achieving New Year’s Resolutions

The Power of Action

By Marlene Wagner

 

Here we are off to a new year, and in the blink of an eye, the first month is nearly over. We always start a new year hopeful for changes we want to make.

It’s the time of year when resolutions are made to implement the changes we want.

The most common ones are to get fit, lose weight, become more financially secure, or start something new.

It might be to write a book, create a new business, or travel, to name a few.

The intentions are there but soon losing steam, and old habits start to set in again.

What resolutions did you make for the new year? Or do you make resolutions?

This year, there are suggestions for rewording changes we want to implement for the new year.

For example, this year, it’s about creating a new habit in some area of your life. A new habit could be eating out only one night a week.

Or work out on the treadmill three times a week. You get the idea.

It creates a new and different mindset from the old list of resolutions made every new year.

We all know they often fall by the wayside very quickly and often in weeks rather than after a few months.

Minds have been programmed from the yearly repetition of making resolutions and know it will last only for a short time.

Thinking about the message I could bring you in this first month of a new year, I realized resolutions are made because of true and honest desires for change.

These are the changes one wants but doesn’t have the correct information and direction to help keep it going.

I knew I had to write about ways that could help keep and successfully reach these goals and resolutions.

 

Your Why, The Purpose

There is always a reason why we want what that new habit will give us. What’s your reason, why do you want it?

The more precise you are on why you want it, the more successful you will be in creating your new habit.

Let’s use an example of a new habit. The new habit is to make better food choices.

Why do you want it? Is it to lose a few pounds in general or for a special occasion and you want to look good?

Or is it for better health or better control over watching your weight?

Knowing why you want it will help motivate you to get there.

 

Motivation and Taking Action

Motivation can be a powerful force and drives you to achieve your goals.

Motivation is all about taking action to realize your new habit.

The first action is to plan how to start creating this new habit.

An example would be to make a list of foods you want to replace and what foods you choose to replace them with.

If you are accustomed to a dessert after dinner, a replacement for the decadent dessert would be fruit instead or a flavored beverage.

Even if you start without motivation, the first step as a plan can be enough to spark the flame and kick-start the motivation.  

I believe this action has a transformative effect on motivation.

Taking action creates momentum, which can be a powerful driving force.

Accomplishing even small tasks related to your goals builds a sense of progress and achievement.

This positive feedback loop can snowball, propelling you to take even more significant actions. It can ease the way of expanding on the goal.

Over time, the momentum from this daily action can help you break through any resistance you may experience, such as Just this once, I’ll eat the rich dessert.

 

Action Overcomes Procrastination

Procrastination is a common obstacle to motivation. We often delay taking action because a task seems daunting or overwhelming.

You can beat procrastination and maintain action by breaking things down into smaller tasks.

There’s no need to wait for the perfect moment, and you can start. When you make action a habit, procrastination loses its grip.

You can set some goals and forget them. 

You can set it and forget it if you want better food choices. After listing the foods you want to replace with the foods to replace them with your set.  

You have nothing more to do but the goal itself every day.

If you aim to do the treadmill three days a week, you can set it and then do it.

List the days or eat out one night a week. It’s pretty much a set and follow the plan.

If you want to travel this year or start a new business, you’ll work on the steps and the actions you must take regularly.

It will require periodic or regular action steps.

Commitment to a goal is a critical component of sustained motivation.

Consistently taking action reinforces that commitment. It shows your resolve and dedication.

It also makes you more likely to remain motivated over the long term.

Ultimately, we set goals and seek motivation primarily to achieve results and create positive changes in our lives.

Action is the bridge that connects motivation to results. Motivation is nothing more than a wish and a dream without action!

You’ll never make progress without action.

 

Action Overcomes Fear

Some resolutions or goals will require actions never done before, and we fear doing it. Fear is a common barrier to taking action.

Whether it’s a fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown, it can paralyze us and stifle our motivation. However, action is a powerful antidote to fear.

When you face your fears by taking action, you build courage and increase your motivation.

For example, if you’re apprehensive about public speaking, volunteering to give a short presentation in a supportive environment can help you conquer that fear.  

As you take action and gain experience, your fear diminishes, and your motivation to become a more confident speaker grows.

 

Action Enhances Self-Efficiency 

Self-efficacy is self-belief in your abilities. It’s closely tied to motivation.

As your belief in your capabilities grows, so does your motivation to tackle more substantial challenges.

When you witness your competence and recognize that you have the skills and determination to succeed, your motivation becomes self-perpetuating.  

You become more willing to take on new challenges and pursue even more significant achievements.

 

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, motivation is a dynamic force that thrives on action. Waiting for motivation to strike before taking action can be a limiting mindset.

Instead, recognize that action is the catalyst for motivation.

By initiating small, deliberate actions, you transform your motivation.  

You’ll create momentum, overcome procrastination, and fear, and ultimately achieve your goals.  

Motivation without action won’t move you forward. Still, combining two forces is the recipe you need to follow to create success and build personal growth.

Remember, it’s all about consistency. 

Whatever your resolve to accomplish this year or the new habits you want to create, following this formula will ensure great success.

Keep it handy, and read it often.

If you have difficulty outlining a plan or steps for your goal, I am more than willing to help you.

I followed my advice this past year and followed this very formula. I experienced the merit of it and can attest to its effectiveness.

Remember, each day is new, and a new goal can start on any day of the year. Resolutions, new goals, and new habits can begin any day of the year.  

Here’s wishing you a year filled with many goals successfully brought to fruition. 

If you or someone you know are interested in one-on-one coaching, please pass on my information.

Feel free to share my content with anyone you feel would be interested or helped by the information.

 

Until next time, starting today, make yourself a priority and begin living your best life. 

But before we go, always remember to

Be true to your magnificent self,
Coach Marlene

Connect with me!! I’d love to hear from you.

https://attractloveatanyage.com/
www.facebook.com/coach.marlenew
Email: parkavenueunlimited@midco.net