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| Glass Vases from Breast Imaging of Oklahoma. Over 50? Plan a yearly mammogram |
We are halfway through January- How are you doing with those
resolutions? If you are like most
people, you have lost some momentum. Don’t
get discouraged- there are bound to be hit or miss moments along the way to
making lasting change.
It will help for us to look at our habits: The good, the bad, and the ugly- procrastination.
New habits take thought, practice, and time. Dr. Stephen
Covey (1932-2012) was a habit expert.
His book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has over 15 million
copies in print. I have two of those copies, one fell apart from being re-read so much. Covey's work is my favorite go-to-guide in the area of time/life management.
Our most popular resolutions focus on habit changes in health (lose weight, exercise more), relationships
(socialize, keep in touch), or work ( job changes/improvements, education, recreation). Each big goal is really a series of small habits. Goal planning is important but not urgent. There are many things that can distract us from our goals- some are important, others are . . . just distracting.
Covey directs our attention to the important (but not urgent) goals with the good habit of “Putting first things first.”
We must intentionally plan for success.Without a plan we will bounce from other people's deadlines and crisis to soothing but brain numbing activities.
Do you want a crisis oriented life in 2015? If not, planning will help you get the balanced (healthy you, healthy relationships, meaningful work) life you want.
Take time for a well-being Check Up:
- Are you satisfied with your 2015 goals?
- Set aside a brain break to write/revise your goals to identify the small habits that will lead to big change.
- What new habits can you schedule into your day/week?
- How will you be accountable? (calender, friend, reminders)
- What bad habits are holding you back?
- What would your week of good habits look like?
- Are you ready to put “first things first?”
The good habits of planning your time and tracking your progress will make 2015 different than 2014.
