Reaffirmation

           Tomorrow we start our third month into 2012. How are those New Year’s resolutions working for you? Are you still motivated, or like me, have some of them fallen to the wayside? If so, no problem. Today is a new day filled with new possibilities. I don’t know who said that quote, but I try to remember it each day.

Staying focused is something we should strive to do on a daily basis. It’s not an automatic process. We have to work to develop it, but when doing so think baby steps.  Don’t sprint toward your goal. This often leads to burn out a few feet from the starting point.

  Let’s look at one of my forgotten resolutions.

  Resolution: Become an early riser so I am more productive during the day.

 I love to relax after everyone is tucked in bed for the night. It’s peaceful, and I don’t have to care for anyone. It’s my me time.

 How can I overcome this obstacle?

 1.     Identify what keeps me from achieving my resolution.

             The problem: I go to bed late and therefore struggle to get up early in the morning. And when I do rise early, I’m usually tired all day.

2.    Make a plan to overcome the obstacle.

           Begin by waking up fifteen minutes earlier each day. Of course, this means going to bed fifteen minutes earlier at night. Do this until you reach your optimum bedtime. Try to get in bed between nine and eleven each night.

I eliminated all distractions in the bedroom. I removed my television and exercise equipment.  Instead, before bed I now read, meditate, and take a long soothing bath.

I watch what I eat at night. Limit spicy foods. In fact, it’s a good idea to stop eating two to three hours before bed.

3.     Then work the plan.

After a few weeks of staying focused, I woke up early and was more productive during the day.

          Achieving my goals gave me a mental and physical boost, because when I’m see results I feel good about myself.

 Share your thoughts.