Guest Post by Jeff Cannon author of The Simple Truth. You can find Jeff’s book for purchase at Amazon.com.
Life is not changed in the earth shattering decisions you make from time to time. It is changed through the little decisions you make every day. In the same way, the resolutions you made last month will not change your 2012. Instead it is the little choices you make to supports those resolutions that will make or break your 2012.
Resolving to eat better will not work, unless you choose correctly when presented with two dishes. Resolving to work out will not help you get in better shape unless you go to the gym instead of saying at home. So here are some tips to help you change through the little choices you make every day.
Learn to Breathe 8-2-8
The best way to relax comes from within. This year rely on your breath to live stress free. Learn how to take a few slow, deep breaths to calm you and reduce your anxiety. It’s simple, free and you can do it anytime, anywhere. When you start to feel agitated, take a moment. Draw a deep breath in through your nose. Feel your stomach expand for a slow count to 8. Hold it for a count of 2 and slowly exhale it through your nose for another count of 8. Feel the air enter and leave your body. Don’t dwell on the thoughts that come into your mind. Simply acknowledge them and return to your breath and your count. Take a few minutes to breathe. It will pay you back with hours to spare.
Don’t Say Yes, Say Maybe
One of the traps everyone falls into again and again is the trap of trying to please. We often say yes out of habit, without really thinking about what we’re committing to. Teach yourself to pause and think for a moment. Learn to tell people “let me get back to you on that.” Get comfortable with saying “maybe” if you’re feeling pressed into action. There is nothing wrong with taking a few moments to see if you really want to commit to something, especially if you are already over committed.
Mindful Eating
We all want to take control of our food and our stress. Both are areas that you can lead, if you slow down and allow yourself to do so. First, stop trying to finish your meal before you’ve even started. Take a moment for yourself to actually enjoy what you’re eating. Be aware of the food before you. Notice the shape, color and texture of it. Attune yourself to your body, the way you salivate and anticipate your meal. Notice the taste, the texture and the different sensations you feel when you eat. Take the time to really see the service around you. Notice the place setting, the staff and the décor. Appreciate and enjoy what you have before you rush back into your day.
Start a budget for YOU
Before you start thinking about what you want in the New Year, take a moment to look at your budget. Don’t let your budget control your life, but use it as a guide. Set some realistic goals, not just for saving, but also for spending. View yourself as a vendor and create an affordable spending budget for yourself. Remember, you are the one making the money, so remember to spend a little on yourself. Reward yourself for your hard work. Just make sure it doesn’t set you back in the other areas of your life.
Don’t Think Days, Think Years
Don’t worry about what you’re going to do today or tomorrow. Instead, think about where you want to be a year from now. Not in terms of huge statements of profit and loss, but in the little things you want to do during each day. Take a moment to picture how you want to spend your day; from the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed. Think about how you want to wake up, whether it’s coffee or tea you would like to drink. Think about what your work should be like, and the kind of friends you want to have. Then work backwards to create little changes in your life to give you the lifestyle you want.
Pace Yourself.
You still have 12 months left in 2012, and you are going to be here for a while after that. So take your time. Pace yourself. There is time to do everything you are wanting to do on this planet. Try to set aside different days for shopping, cooking and visiting friends. Give yourself extra time to just sit for a few minutes and enjoy life. Teach yourself to avoid last minute scrambles by setting aside a few minutes more than you may plan to, to rebalance yourself and create a foundation to return to. It will help to keep you sane no matter what goes on around you.
I wish you all the best of luck in finding happiness within yourself in 2012.
