How many years have you written the same resolutions only to have to repeat the same resolution the next year? You’re not alone! Here’s a different approach to creating new year’s resolutions that is much more effective! I don’t believe that resolutions should be thrown out…I think they just need an image update! Resolutions are really just intentions, if done well.

Think about how most people approach resolutions.  A common example is: “I HAVE to lose weight. I’m so fat.” (who says you “have to?” – that builds in a defense mechanism that believe it or not, creates an internal conflict.) That person’s resolution might be: “I’m going to lose 20 pounds by X date,” while inside they’re quietly thinking, “you’re weak. You’re disgusting. You’re fat. Here we go AGAIN!” and things like that. Negative negative negative! Do you think that person actually believes they can do it? What would make them believe that this year would be any different from last year? The problem does not lie in the intention. The problem lies in the belief – in having faith that your goal can actually be accomplished.

Here’s my approach: Turn the resolution into an affirmation! Instead of saying “I want to lose 20 pounds,” how about, “I am so happy now that I make healthy choices in my life and I maintain the healthiest weight for me.” That is do-able! It doesn’t mean you can’t have a background goal of losing 20 pounds, which is admirable (if it’s actually healthy for you!) BUT, if your goal sits on top of an underlying belief that you are fat, weak, or even “gross” as I’ve heard some women say…guess what you AND the Universe will be conspiring together to create: more of what you think about and really believe…that you are fat!

As I always say, what you think about creates emotions. Those emotions induce actions. So, the way you think about your resolutions makes an enormous difference in their realization.

Write your affirmations, and put them by your bedside table. When you wake in the morning, first thing, before you even brush your teeth, say them out loud. Before going to bed, say them again. Set your intention for the day, (and to your sleeping self), that this is how you will carry out your day. Then, forget about it! Trust that you have made the commitment to live your intentions. This is loving yourself through an “inner gremlin” or dialogue called, “I”m not good enough” or some sort of negative self-talk that sabotages intentions all the time.

Here are a few more examples of resolutions that can be turned into affirmations (ps: notice how so many are also phrased in the future):

* “I’m so disorganized. I have to get rid of the chaos in my life!” becomes: “I’m so happy now that I live a balanced, organized and peaceful life.”
* “I’m going to start an exercise program” turns to: “I feel so good now that I’m exercising 5x/week!”
* “I’m quitting smoking!” can be: “I so enjoy the feeling of a smokeless body! I breathe easily, have a lot of energy, food tastes so good, and I even smell great!”

You get the idea!

Some Tips For Making Successful Affirmations:

Keep them:
1. In the present tense
2. Positively focused (flip the “I’m losing, quitting or no longer” to an “I”m so happy   now that…”)
3.  Small enough to be believable (making a million dollars in 3 months might be do-able, but probably not believable!)

Finally, to give affirmations an extra punch, try visualizing yourself achieving your goals. Feel what it feels like to have lost the weight and slide on your new jeans.  Imagine what a day is actually like when you move through it with ease. Feel the amount of energy and good health you have when you are a smokeless person. Smell the food, engage in cooking healthy meals. Really get into the fantasy and engage as many senses as possible in your visualizations.

And, it need only take a few minutes. Don’t let it be a time drain, just say it, experience it, know it to be true, and move on with your day.

Woohoo! Here’s to making these affirmations, or resolutions happen – no matter what you call them!

Blessings for 2012! May all your dreams come true!

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