Day 21 – New Years Resolution – Just For Today

Today is the day so many will give up on the New Years Resolutions. That initial effort, that will power and white knuckle effort soon runs its course. You have probably had the initial quick rewards. The lbs that fell of, the clothes that no longer smell of smoke. The encouragement circle of friends, family and facebookers have moved on with the issue of the week. Now is the time to renew the mentality that will keep you going.  Now is the time to renew your commitment and kick in with a new mentality. You may have “stopped” something bad, or “started” something good. Now you change that to “keep going”.

One Day At A Time

Remember, a New Years Resolution is only ever a “Just For Today” programme. You can have thoughts and feelings about the tomorrows and yesterdays, but behaviour is limited to today only. So keep a moment free every morning to commit to your New Days resolution.

Keep Records

Keeping records allows you to value the process and keep perspective on realistic outcomes. Your feelings and thoughts may wander, but a daily inventory, a record of your daily achievement keeps the program of change in the “here and now”.

Maintain The New Routine

What works, works. Look at what you did that got you through the initial period. keep doing the same. The rewards may not be so apparent. The feelings and thinking may start to undermine your desire to keep going. Dont listen to the “stinking thinking”, keep the new regime going just for today.

Be Grateful

The daily Gratitude List is a very powerful way to keep your motivation going. Do not become complacent about the benefits you realise from this change process. The gratitude list is a daily way of being real with the amazing commitment you have made.

Bill Stevens is an addictions therapist at RedChair.