Have you ever made New Year resolutions, started with determination in January only to have given up completely by February? If this sounds familiar then you are not alone.
Most people decide that this year is the year that they will lose weight, get fit, or find a new relationship.
In January they join gyms and slimming clubs, only to find out that real life soon gets in the way and initial enthusiasm is soon forgotten.
Is this you? If you are tired of this repeating pattern and you want to make sure that this year is the year you really change your life then read on.
I have developed a system that I have found really works.
I have developed the system for use by myself after years of failed resolutions and unfulfilled dreams.
My system has worked so well that I want to share it with anyone who wishes.
This is actually the core of the system - wishes.
Instead of making New Year resolutions, this year make New Year wishes.
It works so much better both psychologically and on a practical basis.
Resolutions somehow feel like hard work and deprivation.
Wishes on the other hand are about dreams and fulfilment.
The first step in my system is to allow yourself three wishes.
In pantomimes the genie of the lamp or the fairy godmother always grants three wishes.
This year you can become your own genie of the lamp.
Three is a good number because it is achievable.
I can remember some years in the past having a list of resolutions that was so long I had forgotten half of them by the end of January.
If I hadn't forgotten them it just seemed too overwhelming to ever achieve.
Take time to decide what your wishes are going to be.
As you are only allowed three they have to be special.
Ideally sit in peace and quiet for about 30 minutes and really think about what is important to you.
You can wish for almost anything.
It does not have to be particularly realistic at the moment.
After all it is a wish.
The only rule you have to follow is that it should be something that you have some control over.
For example wishing it won't snow in Winter or it won't rain on a particular day does not count in the process.
Once you have decided on your three wishes write them down somewhere, in your diary, on your blog or simply on a piece of paper (be careful not to lose it).
If appropriate tell someone about them.
Writing your wishes down will start to imprint them on your mind and in the world.
It is much more likely they will happen if you do this.
The next stage is to read them at least once a day.
If possible read them aloud.
I find it is very important to keep your wishes at the forefront of your mind as much as possible.
Otherwise it is easy for them to slip away and be forgotten.
Don't tell anyone who you think won't give you 100% backing.
One negative comment from someone may be enough to shatter your dream and your wish will not come true.
Now you need to do something towards achieving your wish.
You just have to make the first step.
No need to know all the steps you will have to make to achieve your wishes.
All you need to do is to take one step at a time.
I find it is a bit like following a satellite navigation system.
Deciding what your wishes will be is the same as setting the destination.
Then all you really need to do is to take one step at a time - follow the directions which hopefully will become clear as you go along.
New Year resolutions can seem overwhelming because it is so easy to worry about everything you need to do to achieve them.
New Year wishes will be so fun you will not want to give up on them.
The last thing you have to do is simply enjoy the achievement of your wishes coming true.
Follow this simple system, be your own genie this year and your wishes will come true and you will never set a resolution again.