New year’s resolutions drive me crazy. I mean, really, truly, crazy. We make lofty promises to ourselves of all the things we are going to do and be in the next 12 months, and I have never once talked to someone in say, August, who is still chipping away at the goals they set in January.
While resolutions are a challenge for me, I still do love that fresh, clean slate feeling that comes with the start of a new calendar year. I really want to achieve something new, step my game up, whatever. Something happens though, usually around February and I just forget. Life gets in the way, being lazy sound appealing again, you know the drill.
If you feel the same way, I have an idea for us. I want to try something different: just one – hugely mental – resolution. Are you ready for it?
Believe in yourself.
Boom. It’s that simple. Faith in yourself is the only foundation you need to accomplish, well, anything. From reading our reader comments, talking with bloggers and friend alike and engaging with all of you on Twitter, it sounds like it’s just a little too easy for us to get down on ourselves. Whether it’s envy that’s blocking our shine or fear of failure, we’ve got to banish these dream-killing attitudes.
Believe. I’m not talking about false confidence, I’m talking about trusting your gut, listening to your heart as well as your brain, and imagining that “Oh yes!” moment instead of succumbing to that “Oh no!” dread in your head.
It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen. – Muhammed Ali
Conviction! I love that word. It means a fixed or firm belief, and that’s what we all need. Not just something you think in your head, but a true conviction that leads to action! In that way, this resolution to believe in yourself isn’t entirely mental. You must, must – do something. Do a lot of things, in fact. Tell yourself you can do it – then do it. Take the steps, get off the couch, send that email, apply to that job, move across the country, call your mom – whatever it takes to put the wheels in motion.
When believing in yourself is your only new year’s resolution, you’ll have exactly what you need to accomplish every goal that comes your way – throughout the entire year! Plans change, so do dreams and goals. But trusting in yourself? That’s a resolution for life.
Love this.
I too have a love affair with New Year’s resolutions for the very reasons you stated. So on Dec. 31st the only resolution I posted on my Facebook:
TALK LESS AND DO MORE!
Self doubt has become an issue because I’m new to this, so “Believe in yourself” will now be “posterized” on my mirror.