I love the fresh start of the new year. My kids and I are pulling out our vision boards and magazines and dreaming and about an even more ideal life. Right now, my list of resolutions is so long it’s likely none of them will come true. So while I choose which ones to focus on, I thought I’d share with you my 7 steps to creating successful change. Teaching kids how to make dreams come true and accomplish goals is one of the greatest things we can teach. And since the #1 way kids learn is by imitation, why not show them by creating your own, most fabulous and ideal life.
1. Pick something you really, really, really, really want. Make a long list of all the things you’d like to change, then ask yourself, what is it I REALLY YEARN for? (Hint – it’s going to be a feeling.)
2. Imagine what it will feel like to have accomplished your goal. Bathe in the emotions of it: self-pride, accomplishment, freedom, joy. Notice what it feels like in your body and breathe it in. (BTW – This is how we are meant to feel all the time)
3. What in your life are you willing to give up in order to make room for your new dream to come true? (Moms, especially, have a tendency to pile more stuff on to their plate without realizing there is a limit to how much time and energy they have.) Mentally scan your weekly routine and choose the areas you’d like to replace with something new.
4. Imagine it happening perfectly. Go walk the dog or take a bath and spend time imagining your new routine. Create a scene in your mind like a movie with you as the star. Imagine what sights you see, sounds you hear, smells, tastes, textures, and most importantly, what it feels like to be living in your ideal future. Breathe into the difference of where you are today, and where you’d like to be.
5. Anticipate obstacles. In this mental movie, imagine what obstacles arise (distractions, you get sick, people need you, etc.). Imagine that you overcome these obstacles with grace and ease, without abandoning your goal or positive emotions associated with it.
6. Write it down. Studies show that your chances of accomplishing a goal improve 33% if you write down what it is you want, create action steps and check in with a friend or coach to whom you feel accountable.
7. Celebrate your victories. If you are like me, this is the hardest of all steps. Brag to your spouse, your friends, your dog, and most importantly, your mirror. Say out loud, “I did it! I worked out today, yeah, ME!” Look at your reflection and tell it how proud you are that you overcame resistance. Tell your kids how amazing their Mom or Dad is and what a super star you are. Model for them what it’s like to work hard to create positive change. Model for them what it’s like to honor yourself.