Buster, our twelve week old Golden Retriever puppy, wanted to get in on the action today to help me, so I thought I’d make him the photo! If you’ve ever trained a new puppy, you know that it is not for the faint-hearted. It takes stamina, discipline and a new routine (hence the subject)! So here I am…Let’s talk about it!
I don’t make resolutions. I don’t like them as they feel too disciplined and that’s not how I’m made. Instead I make routines that are healthy and good for the new year. That being said, goals are a small part of the routines, but for me, the routines are the stepping stones to achieving the goals.
The intention of making a new routine stick helps me to conquer my goals! Whereas when I made resolutions, I felt as if I were setting myself up for failure if I didn’t meet them and that sent me backwards or just giving up all too soon.
So small Joyful Changes are where I succeed and because I want to succeed, this is how it works for me! Small manageable changes in my routine help immensely. They don’t feel overwhelming, but instead, feel do-able. If a day happens that the routine isn’t met, it’s not an overwhelming failure for me, but instead a chance to start again tomorrow. Does that make sense?
I also praise myself when the routine is completed, when I have made that Joyful Change for the day, as each baby step counts! It’s like training our new puppy Buster. Each time we successfully don’t have an accident inside the house, we are closer to being fully potty trained which is our goal. So far, we’re on day 3 of no accidents! We’ve never made it past 2 days before, even though last week we had 2 complete days of no accidents. Do I punish this sweet golden retriever when we don’t make it outside in time? No, instead I encourage him when he goes potty outside and I lead with the expectations that we will be successful together.
It’s a mindset you know. Expect failure and your subconscious will provide it. Expect success, even when we fail a few times, and success will arrive with divine timing. It’s all in how you look at it!
Sometimes we are so hard on ourselves that it’s no wonder we fail. We wouldn’t be talking to our best friend, child, or puppy in the harsh tones that we do to ourselves. So, why do we do it? Is it human nature to be harder on ourselves or is that how we were trained as children?
I know that for me, it is a product of my childhood. But I am no longer a child and the caring Mom in me will not allow myself to be that way anymore. So that’s why I make routines that lead to goal successes instead of resolutions.
Do you make resolutions? Do you stick with them? Or would you like to try making routines that lead to goals? Let me know if you need any help with this as I’ve found that encouragement in working together while you’re making Joyful Changes increases success!
Just ask Buster! Because we’re on day 3 of no accidents! LOL
Joyful Change With Yvonne 