Tip #76: Ditch the New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions don’t work. What does work is creating a new world view. Picture what your life would be like if you could design it just for you. Write down what that looks like as if you already have achieved it. For example, you may write, “My clients have become raving fans, giving me two qualified referrals each week. My business is growing at 30% each year because of their incredible support.” By creating this world view, you can now consciously and subconsciously do the things that will make your picture a reality.

If you want this year to be different, start it differently.

Even if everyone else around you starts proudly shouting their resolutions from the rooftop…

don’t get wrapped up in the hype.

It’s rarely the big broad sweeping changes we make that create the most profound difference. Instead, it’s the baby steps we take, shifting our behavior and putting sustainable habits in place.

It may feel glamorous to tout that this is going to be the year that you finally (fill in this blank with a massive unattainable goal you will give up on by February)…

but why do that to yourself?

Be kind to yourself. Be practical, and set yourself up for success, not disappointment.

Not sure where to start? Go to Amazon and “Look Inside” 128 Tips to Make You A More Effective Leader. Decide what baby steps you will take to make 2016 the year you actually create the foundational habits that will change your life. Breathe, and life LIVE the life you want…one baby step at a time.

Do A Little Spending

Whether it be in a forest or outside of a department store, I’ve never been much of a camper.

If you’re anything like me, you’re avoiding the crowds today.

I have, however, decided to do a little spending.

But instead of spending a dime, I will be spending some quality time.

Today, I am intentionally engaging with people and in activities that rejuvenate me.

Going for a walk with my husband Jim, catching up on some good books, and investing time with family and friends are at the top of my list.

What people and practices are you eager to spend some quality time with?

Why not start today?

Brag about how much you spend today -- on the activities and people who bring you joy!

Go spend a little joy!

Appraise the Value of Your Compliments

“The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere.”  -Anne Morrow Lindbergh I couldn’t agree more.

Now, that doesn’t mean I am advocating that we all take a page out of Scrooge’s handbook and bring “Bah-humbug” back onto the scene...

Why flood your market with ‘atta boys’ and ‘good job’ compliments?

It’s not that they are not sincere. I am sure you mean that ‘good job’, but what does ‘good job’ really mean? To preserve the value of your compliments, it all comes down to whether or not they are specific enough that the receiver really understands what you are complimenting --  and whether people can really trust that what you are saying is true and free of a personal agenda.

Sincere and specific compliments are hard work. Most people won’t bother. Finding the right words to describe specifically what you appreciate or value in someone else’s actions is not easy. It requires paying enough attention to note the behaviors and then finding the words to describe them with the sincerity you feel.

Every time you give someone the gift of your words, remember, the quality of the gift you give is a direct reflection of the quality of character you have.

Let’s stop accepting or giving gold plated placations …

and instead strive to give the kind of compliments that are so specific and tangible that they are remembered forever.

Who will you give a sincere and specific compliment to today?