A New Year, a New YOU: How to Make 2009 Your Best Year Yet
by www.SixWise.com

Around the first of the year, you begin to hear a lot about self-improvement, self-empowerment and how to actually achieve all of those New Year’s resolutions you’ve made. Most of it probably goes in one ear and right out the other, and your New Year begins to look a whole lot like years gone by.

How to Replace New Year’s Resolutions with Actionable Intentions and Actions

In the paragraphs that follow, you’ll learn ways to set realistic goals and achieve desired outcomes that “you will achieve” by being in the moment everyday with what you want to do, will do, and that you then do -- to achieve exactly what you want to in your life journey starting now … today!  

This year, let’s say you really want to make some changes, whatever they may be. You are ready to position yourself for continuous success -- physically, mentally, career-wise and in your relationships. But how? And can it actually be done?

If you’re not yet sure, then you haven’t heard the remarkable story of Cliff Young, a then 61-year-old farmer who is still being talked about for something he did more than two decades ago.

In 1983, Cliff decided to compete in what is considered one of the world’s most grueling marathons, an annual endurance race of 543.7 miles that takes place in Australia.

As you might imagine, the world-class athletes (most of whom are under 30) who compete in this event train extensively for it. Cliff showed up in work boots and overalls, determined to compete in the five-day run.

Of course, everyone thought he was crazy, but Cliff would hear none of it. According to EliteFeet.com, he told them:

“See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn't afford horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up, whenever the storms would roll in, I'd have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I'd always catch them. I believe I can run this race."

As the race began, the pro runners took off and Cliff shuffled slowly behind. The professionals knew that to complete the race, you had to run about 18 hours a day and sleep for six. Well, Cliff didn’t know that, so he just kept running.

At the end of the five days, it was Cliff who ended up crossing the finish line first, and he even set a new course record. In the years to come, Cliff entered the race again and took 7th place. Today, his shuffling style of running has been accepted by a new generation of ultra-marathon runners because it is thought to be more energy-efficient!

The moral of the story?

Everything Begins With Attitude

A positive attitude trumps just about everything when it comes to success.

“People who are optimistic or happy have better performance in work, school and sports, are less depressed, have fewer physical health problems, and have better relationships with other people,” the Positive Psychology Center states. “Further, optimism can be measured and it can be learned.”

What this means is that you can develop an attitude like Cliff Young’s, one that will all but guarantee you a successful and happy life. Because once you’re sure that things will turn out OK, you’ll be amazed at how often you are right!

You see, your thoughts are more than just abstract emotions running through your head. They color and create your very reality. So if you allow negative, self-sabotaging thoughts to control your mind, your worldview and your life experiences will also be negative.

On the other hand, by making an effort to nurture your positive attitude, and squelch your negative one, your life will change for the better.

As self-help guru Dr. Wayne Dyer said in one of his bits of daily inspiration:

“You have the power to create the naturally stress-free and tranquil life you desire: You can either activate thoughts that produce stress within you, or activate thoughts that make stress impossible. It’s your choice.”

How to Foster a Positive Attitude in 2009

Right now stress may be threatening to overtake your good mood, but don’t let it. With the tips that follow you can achieve and maintain a positive attitude in the New Year, and use it to make all of your dreams come true.

1. Maximize "flow" by engaging in powerful experiences that bring it about. "Engaging in an experience that produces 'flow' is so gratifying that people are willing to do it for its own sake, rather than for what they will get out of it. The activity is its own reward," according to the Positive Psychology Center. You can experience flow when your "skills are sufficient for a challenging activity, in the pursuit of a clear goal, with immediate feedback on progress toward the goal."

2. Surround yourself with positive people. Their enthusiasm will definitely rub off on you.

3. Show your gratitude for the good things in your life. Expressing gratitude regularly has been linked to better health, well-being and progress toward your goals.

4. Write down your goals. Writing about life goals is associated with enhance well-being, according to the Positive Psychology Center. Remember to phrase your goals as though you have already achieved them, such as “I enjoy being at my ideal weight.”

5. Practice the important art of forgiveness, which is also essential for your happiness and continued optimism. Admit wrongdoing by stating “what you should have done and will do in the future” (rather than what you did wrong). While a one-word apology goes a long way, it is most important to focus on the positive desired behavior from the start and going forward. The idea is to connect positive actions for the future within your subconscious (replacing the non-desired behavior) to make the positive change a reality. You can then feel good about your admission of responsibility, which typically neutralizes most frustration and attacks by others who then know you understand you were wrong and are focused on a solution for the future. 

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO DO WITH (OR REQUEST FROM) YOUR CHILDREN. Founder of SixWise.com John Dearlove has developed and used this process, which he calls DOUBLE POSITIVE REINFORCMENT BEHAVIOR DEVELOPMENT. It has worked for all parties including John’s 4 wonderful very responsible children and for John (More of John’s Seven PRINCIPLES of Self-Value and True Happiness to come in future articles).    

6. Think only positive thoughts about yourself, your life and your value for others. If negative thoughts enter your mind, “focus on the positive actions and desired outcomes” says John Dearlove, to allow yourself to feel good (instead of listening to demoralizing, demeaning self-talk or negative chatter).

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7. Turn off the news. You’ll likely sense an immediate uplifting in your spirits.

8. Focus on  living in the present, feeling neither regret for past events nor fear or anxiety about the future.

9. Do something kind for someone. Studies show that doing five good deeds a day can make you happier. If you need some motivation, watch someone else do something kind. Just witnessing the act has been found to boost your mood and make you more likely to do nice things as well.

10. If you're going to spend money, spend it on experiences rather than possessions. Transformative experiences are some of the most powerful ways to increase your happiness and satisfaction in life.

11. Take care of yourself. Eating well, sleeping enough, exercising, stretching ... all of these things add up to greater well-being.

12. Laugh and smile -- and engage in experiences that enable you to do so. It's proven to help you stay positive.

13. When you feel stressed out, learn how to relax ... and again engage in experiences that enable you to do so. The Pure Relaxation CD, which uses guided meditations and music that will calm your mind, soothe your emotions and create a state of deep relaxation in your body, is an excellent tool to help you do so.

14. Use daily affirmations. Similar to a mantra, a positive affirmation repeated after you wake up, before bed or anytime during the day can help to displace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Recommended Reading

New Year’s Resolutions: How to Turn Your Good Intentions into Real Results

The Top Nine Steps to Set and Achieve Your Goals in 2008

Sources

University of Pennsylvania: Positive Psychology Center

EliteFeet.com: The Legend of Cliff Young