Resolve this...

New Year's is often seen as a cultural milestone, as a way of starting fresh. With each new year, social media floods with the latest New Years Resolution; with resolutions to "lose this…" or "stop this…". A common denominator I always make note of when it comes to New Year's resolutions; often times people seek to add something to their life instead of improving what is always there.

Realistically speaking, as reported by Time Magazine, only 8% of people who make resolutions actually stick to them throughout the year.

The reasons include the obvious, unrealistic goals. My solution? Here are some ways to improve your resolution for 2014. 

LOOK AT THE POSITIVES

Looking back on the past year, what are something you've been great at? Instead of adding something that isn't already an active part of your life, why not continue to build on what you do have? If you're already great at CrossFit, why not resolve to compete this year? If you are great at making money, why not embark upon a small entrepreneurial endeavor?

Note that success is something that is built from your perception and response to failing.  John C. Maxwell, author of Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success adds that even the most successful entrepeneurs fail, on average 3.8 times before succeeding. 

TAKE YOUR HECTIC LIFE & REFOCUS

A friend of mine recently hit a heard spot in his life. I'd be lying to all my readers if I didn't say this is a common occurrence within my own life, and a great part of why I am so relatable. I use my experiences to relate to people, with hopes of adding some insight and value to what they are going through. While in the middle of a conversation, I suggested refocusing himself a little. Intrigued, he asked me "how does one go about refocusing?"

My reply? Actually, that's a really good question. Usually when I need to recenter or "refocus" myself, I start with what I know best; what makes me happy. For me the gym is not a New Year's resolution, but an outlet. It helps me to focus more on myself and to sort out the world around me. Usually when I'm out of sorts, it's because I've been to busy with life to take the time and listen to/pay attention to myself. When I begin to refocus myself, I prioritize me, and then work from there. Like a laundry stack. I put myself at the top and work my way through the pile (life). It's mental more than anything. But the gym is a great way for me to "see" the mental processing that it takes to work through challenges.

Not everyone loves the gym, but many people can remember, vividly or with encouragement, what it is that makes them most happy. Take a look at this, take the time for yourself, and refocus; consider what it is that makes you happy and build your New Year's goal off this.

WATCH ME

People often times wonder, where does motivation begin? For me, I can't say it's something that is always there, but I seek out things to keep me active and constantly motivated. A great tool I use, personally; the phrase "WATCH ME." I always challenge myself constantly. At the end of the day, anything you are looking to achieve, gain or improve is for no one's benefit but your own. So don't go marking your gains against anyone but your own. This was your goal, your resolution, and at the end of the day you're the only one who truly can answer whether you achieved the goal, or worse, cheated along the way. Be honest with yourself, but remember that the only person you are proving, is you.

So if at first you don't succeed…. TRY & TRY AGAIN

Wishing y'all a safe, healthy and HAPPY New Year!

New Year's Resolution Stats:

http://ideas.time.com/2013/12/30/new-years-resolutions-are-bad-for-you/

'Tis The Season To Be… A Little Egocentric

Holidays are a solid reminder to why it is so incredibly important not to lose ourselves in anyone or anything we do. They're also a persistent annual reminder of memories past, the loss of loved ones; or simply getting stuck into the everyday frustrations that tend to overwhelm us throughout this time of year.

I speak from experience when I say the most important thing you can do this holiday season is to set aside time for yourself.

Be a little egocentric. 

While it is indeed "the season to give", don't forget to give back to yourself. Set aside time for yourself each and everyday. Take the time to remember who you are and what's important in your life.

Here are three tricks that help me make it through stressful times, especially during the holiday season.

1. Write Things Down

Write things down. I tend to be a person who always has a lot going on. Living on my own, I don't always have the necessary reminders from other people reminding me: I for got to do 'this' or 'that'. As a result, I tend to forget a lot of things. So, what do I do? I write things down! Everything for that matter.

This busted little notebook has a million and one things that I've jotted down.

Most people opening it wouldn't be able to make much sense of it, but all that really matters at the end of the day is that I know what they mean. Having one place to just get me thoughts out of my head also really helps me to 'mentally de-clutter.'

   2. Try Yoga

This may not apply to everyone; try yoga. I know that there is a big stigma against this to a lot of the macho men out there, but I know plenty of male friends that gain a lot of the benefits yoga has to offer.

This is one of my favorite little yoga studios on the south shore-- Healing Tree Yoga. I also really love Open Doors Yoga Studios which offers and incredible hot power yoga class.

  
    3. Be spontaneous

If all else fails, scroll through your phone book and find the one friend who is funnest and most spontaneous to be around. You're bound to find at least two or three people who immediately come to mind. Being spontaneous allows for a lot of unexpected little pleasures. This weekend, my friend Broc and I went on an adventure of our own. Broc (who I refer strictly as Broccoli) is by far one of best friends I have for moments when I need something spontaneous and fun to do; times with him are usually nothing shy of adventurous, and are certainly memory worthy.



Here are a few shots from our endeavors this weekend.

Broc insisted on pulling over to play on the tire swings as we were driving past.

If I've learned anything from my weekend adventures with Broc, I learned this:

It is important to set aside time to focus solely on yourself. Many might consider this to be 'self-centered' but the reality is, as stated by Scottish moral philosopher Adam smith

 "human nature, even our most altruistic deeds is motivated in part by some concern for our selves."

While I'm not big into philosophy, I feel like a number of personal challenges I face, I face because I have been formally unable to apply this concept within my own life. I, by nature, have a very difficult time doing things because I want to do them (when it involves another person). So I've decided, after spending some time being a little ego-centric, that it's time for me to apply this concept a bit more readily. For this reason I say, be a little selfish this week.