Real Resolution

It's that time of year again--time to recreate ourselves anew, time to create a map of what we want for ourselves, of ourselves, for the new year. I love this time of year because I love self improvement on any level. It's an optimistic time and a time when we realize that we have an incredible potential to create what we want.

As tradition dictates, this is the time of year when we make our resolutions. Some people's resolutions are simple, some very complex. We all have a fervent hope that we can stick to these resolutions (though many times we fall short). We have financial goals, physical/health goals, creative goals, relationship goals. We want to learn to play the violin, dance the tango, find true love.

I'm in my late forties and have struggled with the new year's weight loss resolution much of my life. For years, it didn't end up working out as I had wanted. Part of this is the physical addiction. Part is the mental addiction (blockages, comfort). Clearly, something wasn't clicking. And then I realized wanting is not the same as doing.

In previous articles I've written about my self transformation in terms of weight loss and I am achieving the health goals I've resolved to reach for many years and have figured out some keys to self improvement on all levels.

Our first step in actually succeeding with our resolutions is to turn inward and reflect on exactly what it is that we want. Write it out, like a letter to your other than conscious self, and give it some details, some substance, so that you can really begin to see yourself as a non-smoker, so that you really understand what financial freedom is, so that you picture yourself as a fit person. Frame these desires in the affirmative. Instead of writing, 'I don't want to be fat anymore', write, 'I am achieving optimum physical health through exercise, proper nutrition and a positive mental attitude.' Remember, all things are possible.

The next step to achieving your goals is to figure out where you are being drained. This could be an innocent drain. . .maybe your grandmother sends you chocolates. Maybe your group of friends smoke. If you're trying to slim down or stop smoking, these are potential spots where you are going to be sabotaged. Expressing your intention to these people will allow them to assist you in your quest.

Elicit your own deep emotions in relation to how you will feel once your goal is achieved. You can anchor yourself to this feeling and whenever you pass up a cigarette, whenever you make a move to whatever it is you want, let that anchor fire off. The good feelings will make the task at hand much easier.

The last thing I would suggest, and this is my favorite, and I think, the most powerful, visualize. This is the core of intention. This is the core of self-actualization. Visualize your waistline shrinking. Visualize your investments growing. Visualize yourself in that new car, that new house. And as with everything, be grateful for what you have and what you will soon have.

Happy New Year.

Kenrick Cleveland teaches techniques to sell to affluent clients using persuasion strategies. He runs unique public and private seminars and offers home study courses, audio/visual learning tools, and coaching programs in persuasion techniques. Find more free articles at www.MAXpersuasion.com/blog. Be sure to sign up for his free report entitled "Yes! Persuasion."