Resolution Revolution

Key Distinctions/Insights: Resolution Revolution means "Saying No To Resolutions!" Resolutions are about gyms swelling the first few days of the New Year with rip tide reversals within weeks. And diets derail even more quickly. Think about it - resolutions are driven by guilt! Yet our creative power is summoned when we present our authentic selves in real time - not projecting backward in guilt or forward in anxiety. On that basis, none of our actions can be inspired. When actions are inspired (spirit within), they allow you to harmonize with instead of resist current conditions for far better results.
By vitalizing and energizing yourself right now, you can greet the New Year with excitement and anticipation, and a fresh perspective. Consider the following for inspired action:


1) Burn fat from the holidays!
My dear friend Dr. Phil Maffetone has the best answer to rid yourself of fat from holiday feasting! His philosophy on nutrition and exercise is truly revolutionary and logical - he has trained top athletes who needed clear results - let him train you too for clear results!
Here is an excerpt from his New Year's message.  
"If the holidays shattered your eating habits, you’ve gained weight or feel washed up, and you’re truly ready to build your health, here’s the best place to start. The first step is to make the decision to burn off that excess body fat, and get healthy. Many people plan to go on a diet for the New Year. But as we all know, diets don't work for most people, and, you sacrifice your health for a few pounds. Plus, diets are no fun. There's a better way -- decide to do it right and be healthy. 
Turning on your body's fat-burning system will give you what you want -- loss of body fat, more energy, better health. There are two things to consider: the foods you eat, and your level of activity. By New Year's, sugar addiction has worsened in many people. And, physical activity has often hit bottom. Getting rid of the sugar problem and performing some short, easy activity, such as walking, should enable you to reach your goals. Yes, it's that simple." Read the rest of his article....you may need to register - do it - then you will continue to get Dr. Maffetone's fabulous email updates just as I do!


Quick Tips: 

Dr. Phil is one of my real heros! He teaches about 'self-health care' - this resonates with those of us who are willing to take personal responsibility. I go to him for the real truth! All of Dr. Maffetone's advice is beautifully laid out in his book "In Fitness and In Health" - it has been my guide for years. If you don't already have his book make this investment in yourself - it will be an invaluable guide for life long health! Health is your most valuable of possessions - and priceless!!  A treasure - find it here!

2) Energize yourself with Clean Ups!!

Meanwhile, as you continue on your healthy fat burning plan with Dr. Maffetone, you can boost your energetics immediately by taking care of messes in your life - a sure way to revitalize your perspective to greet the New Year with enthusiasm!
Realize that you are abundantly aware of the messes in your environment - be it a messy car, a messy garage filled with junk and garbage that you see every time you pull your car in, and step your way over to the door....to drawers where you can't find things when you need them, closets stuffed over full with things you no longer wear, and so on. 

Messes literally suck your energy! In fact, every time that you expose yourself to a messy condition, it receives the focus of your attention, whether you are aware of it or not, and can evoke attendant emotions of guilt, frustration, etc. Subtly you may experience a feeling of defeat with thoughts of not enough time, loss of control, and so on. Sounding familiar? Messes rob you of productive energy! And that energy is not available for creating the things in your life that you truly wish!
To free yourself from these energy drains, recognize that the time spent cleaning up a mess will actually generate immediate positive energy that you can harness and redirect! Often the hardest part is getting started - once you get started you may find that there will be no stopping you. Your greatest reward will be a renewed confidence that comes from a sense of having control in your life. And your revitalized confidence can be redirected towards things, projects and even relationships that bring you even bigger dividends.


a) Start by taking inventory! Get comfortable and make a list of every mess in your life - ideally include incompletions of any kind. Imagine how freeing it will be to have these things handled.  List the receipts that need filing, the check book that needs balancing, computer files that need back up/organization, warranties or rebates that need to be mailed. And don't stop with your physical environment - are there relationships that are out of balance that you have been avoiding? Promises made but not kept? How about a clean trim for your hair to give you some bounce? How about scheduling an overdue dental cleaning appointment - nothing like running your tongue over squeaky clean teeth! You get the picture. Just telling the truth about where you stand is very freeing! So far you have only lifted a finger. And keep in mind that this is all about you! Who better than you to take care of you!!

b) Now break your list into bite size projects! Instead of tackling the entire garage all in one go, break the job into smaller chunks - create a sublist to rid garbage and junk, sort through tools, return borrowed things, find a storage rack, reorganize what's left, sweep and vacuum, clean windows, etc; in the kitchen - sort pantry foods, buy or find space savers, tidy and clean cupboards, sort and clean drawers, deep clean in and around appliances and under the sink; in a crammed bedroom - unclutter (my moto is don't buy a nicknack if it doesn't look good with dust on it!), add storage under the bed; tackle the closet - buy new wooden hangars (Home Depot 8 for $3.99 - 6 or so set won't break the bank), sort what you haven't worn in two years (they say one year but I can't bear that!), organize seasonal things into another closet to make room. Then make it beautiful with favorite pictures and accessories for display! My friend Laurie has even mounted her vision board in her closet where she sees it every morning and evening!


c) Build in a reward for handling the whole thing! I made my list before the holidays - I wanted my home to be comfy and cozy for the season since it was my first Christmas at home in years. It seemed that I hadn't the time in previous years to beautifully decorate and fill the house with the great smells of home cooking. I knew that if I didn't tackle some of the messes before hand, that I would be thinking about the dreadful chores awaiting me after the holidays....so my reward for cleaning and organizing was being able to fully relax and enjoy myself in my home just the way I wanted it! Your reward may be something completely different. For me having my home be a sanctuary for my family motivated me. Having it cleaned and organized top to bottom is empowering and this was a big step to creating that sanctuary - my home has never looked and felt this great! 

c) Get started with a few smaller projects! This way you'll notice how easy it is and how good it feels with little effort - before you know it, you're on to the next. I set up four bins in my garage to place garbage, recycling, giveaways, and keepsakes for storage. What ever you do, don't hoard says my friend Paula - is there a purpose for what you surround yourself with? 
Think about energetics - you want to keep energy flowing in your space so unclutter, clean and tidy. Keep in mind that all of this is a process including the idea of detachment from things you don't need - you'll see a pay off at more levels than just your physical environment. The universe abhors a vacuum so sometimes you need to get rid of the old to make way for the new!! And you'll rediscover some lovely things in the process too.


d) Tick off your list to track your progress! Notice your energy soar and your confidence roar as you get the first few projects out of the way. Once you get started, I promise you can't stop! And because this works at so many levels, no one can really do this but you! Get any help by all means though be fully involved yourself - lots of decisions to be made as you literally recreate your environment. That is also why you will enjoy the tremendous satisfaction and reap the major rewards.


e) Save the tricky ones for last! If at first you don't know how to handle one of the items on your list, put it last. This is not to procrastinate - realize that you have a plan and you are working your plan - at least the history books tell you Rome wasn't built in a day! If it's a friendship or family relationship that needs some cleaning up - maybe an apology will take care of things, perhaps it's clearing up a misunderstanding, or simply declaring the relationship over in your own mind - you'll have plenty of time to consider the project or relationship as you deal with the balance of your list. I find that my thinking time while scrubbing is therapeutic. 
What you may also discover is the power of putting yourself into the flow! If you are clear on your intention (let's say its about a relationship and you intend to leave everyone empowered no matter what the outcome) then by letting it perculate on the back burner as you turn your attention to the balance of your list, you will become fully energized and bursting with confidence. The energy and confidence tends to bring you present - now as your approach the end of your list, you can summon creative energy to tackle this item. Through conscious reflection, you'll gain insight on how best to handle a situation. What's more - you may find that it has already resolved itself (you know how when providence steps in - your friend calls you one day while you're in the back corner of the garage because they were thinking of you and asked if you would accept their apology...or what have you!...and of course you graciously accept!) You know how it works! Put yourself into the flow and allow yourself to be carried forward with a lot less effort than you imagined and big rewards!


Congratulations - enjoy your rewards! And Happy New Year!


Quick Tips:
My friend Paula organizes peoples homes professionally - watch for an interview coming up with her soon! And visit my store for this very interesting book "Unclutter Your Life in One Week" by Erin Ronney Doland plus ideas for other organizing items.