Forget Resolutions – How to REALLY Change Your Life Forever

People do strange things. That’s a given But what’s up with all these crazy New Year’s resolutions? Smells like dog poo to me. Seriously, people, do you really need to come up with a list of things, year after year, just so you can, yet again, disappoint yourself?

Well, I’m here to tell you that there is a better way, a more effective way, to be your best self. So please put that list of New Year’s resolutions in the litter box where it belongs. This year really can be the year that you change for good.

Let me just get straight to the point. If you’re a loser in a certain area in your life, just stop it. What is this nonsense of waiting until January 1st, or Monday, or tomorrow. Someone who truly wants to do better starts now. Anything less is lack of commitment. Remember, procrastination = NEVER. And that brings me to my first point.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Instead of Resolutions, Set Realistic Goals

If you want to achieve something, obviously you first need to know what that is. Simple, right? Not so much. How many people do you know that have said, “I want to lose weight.” Okay. So what does that mean? Seriously, everyone knows that to lose weight you must eat better and move more. So why don’t people accomplish those goals? Well, for starters, don’t say, “I’m gonna wait until after the holidays, and do better in the new year.” Yeah, good luck with your resolutions, friend. You are clearly imprinting in your brain that eating cookies and candy now are more important than the “resolutions” you set. (Yes, I’m talking to you!) And your brain will remember that message just as well on January 1 as it did on December 25.

Every moment we are telling our brains who we are, and in turn that is who we become. Let me say it again. We become who we truly, deep down inside believe we are. Well, that’s easy enough to understand, right? The hard part is learning to define ourselves the way we want to be. And that starts with a detailed plan.

If you want to change yourself, create better habits, and become your best self, make a plan and write it down. My Pebbles senses are perking up right now. You’re going to skip this step, aren’t you? Fine, stay a chubby, depressed, smoking, porn addict at a dead-end job. But when you want to change, get yourself a detailed Goal Planner and make a realistic plan of the steps you will take to reach your goals. Every friggin’ detailed step you plan to take. Read it every day. And take those steps.

Why Do You Want to Change, Anyway?

You have to have a reason why you want to do better, to break your bad habits. And you have to feel it, deep down in your soul. A goal without a purpose will quickly go the way of all of the resolutions of years past. We are, all of us, creatures of routine. It takes a ton of work to break our routines, no matter how self-destructive they are. It’s easy to find motivation at the beginning of the year. But what happens in two weeks? Our brains have not yet cemented the new, positive habits and our motivation is declining. It’s so much easier to fall back into our established routines.

So what the heck is all of this work and stress for? Let me say it again. When you want to change, when you are soul weary from repeating the same habits over and over, when you are sick of living like you do, write it down. Every last depressing, painful detail of what you hate about your current situation. Write down what life will be like, in detail, six months from now, a year from now, if you continue indulging your habits, if you don’t make a change. How does it feel? Sucks, right?

Well, what will life be like in months, in a year if you follow the steps in your Goal Planner, apply it daily, and make it happen. Write this down. Read daily. But don’t just casually read it. Feel it. See it. Believe it. And it will be so.

Define What Held You Back Reaching Your Resolutions Last Year

We all have set backs. Even me. (Believe it or not, I am not quite perfect!) That’s okay. So it’s time to sit down and think. What has been blocking you from reaching your goals? Is it lack of motivation, a specific person, lack of direction? Identify those things holding you back and do what you have to do to get them out of your life. If you really need to change, you have no one to look to but yourself.

And please don’t be a victim. It is no one’s fault but your own that you have bad habits. We all have them. It’s part of learning and growing. But you have to accept the fact that where you are right at this moment is 100% the result of choices you have made somewhere in your life. If you hate your job, your body, your financial situation, your partner, your location, etc., you must realize that where you are right now is a direct result of your past thoughts and rituals. Accept it and deal with it.

But that’s the best news ever!!! Because what that means is that where you want to be one year from now will also 100% be the result of the choices you make and the habits that you cultivate now (because now is all we have to work with, anyway). Every single day, every seemingly insignificant choice defines who you are to your brain. And your brain creates your reality.

Don’t believe me? Well, I have no eyes, but I am not disabled. I can do everything that my fur siblings can do because I know that I can. Forget the Little Engine (I think I can). Think is permission to falter. You’ve got this. Just do it.

Inspirational Books to Keep You Motivated – Don’t Skip This Part!!!!

Not a big reader? Too bad! Suck it up, and do it, anyway. These are books you must read to keep you on track and help you change your life! No, seriously.

Think and Grow Rich

Awaken the Giant Within : How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

Get Your Sh*t Together: How to Stop Worrying About What You Should Do So You Can Finish What You Need to Do and Start Doing What You Want to Do (A No F*cks Given Guide)

And, yes, I am sitting on the Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund 2018 Calendar (what can I say, my Mom’s a fanatic!).

So, look, people. Now is your moment. I don’t care if it’s January 1 or September 23. You only have to make a choice in one moment in time to be better. And that moment is now. Because that is all there is. One year is going to pass no matter what you choose to do. One year from now you can be in the same (or worse) situation. Or you can be who you are truly meant to be. Now decide who that is and go to work!

Until next time… Keeping Pebbles Strong.