5 Steps To Change You Can Keep in 2012.

Happy New Year !  January just began and already I am tired of seeing and hearing the "R" word.  Just like Christmas music in the mall, it started coming out right after Thanksgiving.  This year, I am not using it.  Why? Because it's too much pressure, and I want you to succeed in meeting and exceeding your goals this year.  

Before any of us can even begin to make sustainable changes in our lives, we have to get our minds right.  Getting the right gear, the right job, the right partner, etc, is all good.  If your mind isn't in the right place though, none of that will not matter. Vijay Govindarajan penned a blog about long-term growth for HBR that struck a nerve for me.  I have applied his list to personal change.  

     1. Know what you are playing for. Why are you in the game? Are you trying to win the championship or content with second place? I know everyone doesn't feel like they need to win, but when it comes to your health, you do.  Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes (sugar), and obesity are on the list of things you want to prevent or control. There are ways to do that.  First step, see your doctor for your annual physical as soon as possible. 

         2. Speak the same language.  Understanding is key.  Going to see a medical provider is one thing, understanding what they say to you is something else.  "What's that, Doc?” is not a bad question.  More on this, and speaking the same lingo as the people you take on this journey with you.  

         3. Imagine the future. Visualize your goals and how they will make you feel, look, and even act.   It doesn’t matter if the goal is physical, financial, or spiritual, or emotional, it’s yours, so imagine the future before you start the journey, then write it down, and check-in with your list regularly. 

      4. Align your actions with your intentions.  Sounds simple, and I suggest that you align two things in particular, regardless of your goals. Your friends and your fridge.  More on this later.  

         5. Just do it. Put it all together, and “make like a tennis shoe”. It's in your hands.  Nike could not have said it better. 

     Stay tuned for a three part series on the things you can treat yourself to once you reach your milestones.   

Peace, and again, Happy New Year,

Let's get it!

PV