Journal Thursday

Every year around this time many people consider their New Year's resolution. We usually want so much to reach our goal and we are in the mood for some changes. Then, after a few days, or a few tries, or a few thoughts to get going we somehow get bogged down with other things in life and stop pursuing our resolution. How can we break this streak of not resolving what we set out to do?

In this journal exercise, write out and set out to

1. Determine what one thing that must change in your life that you are willing to set out and do
2. Identify at least 3 activities that you would be willing to stop doing for at least 21 days in order to meet your change
   
3. List in priority from 1-4 (with 1 being the most important) the one thing that must change, and these 3 activities you are considering to stop
4. If your one thing that must change is not # 1, then you are not ready to make the change and you must weigh your decision carefully to determine if it is needed and what will make it top priority for change in your life
5. If it is #1, then you are ready to set out a path for change.
6. Of the 3 activities you will stop, pick one that the new change will replace.
   
7. Replace it with the one thing you are changing
8. In the change keep SMART change in view

• S- Keep it simple and yet specific (Does it stretch me, is it worthwhile to do?)
  
• M-Keep it measurable (Can I measure in a tangible way the steps toward change?)
  
• A-Keep it able to be completed (can I see myself able to meet this change?)
  
• R-Keep it realistic to you (Is it within my ability, control to do?)
  
• T-Keep it time-limited (Will I see results in a realistic time frame? Example: 1-3 weeks, 1-3 months, 3-6 months, one year)
  

Tell at least 1-3 close friends, family, or co-workers of the one thing you are setting out to change
Ask at least 1 of them to check in with you daily or every other day or weekly as to how you are doing with this change...one to be accountable to for your change.

REMEMBER: YOU CAN DO IT!