by Catie Martin

Created on: January 02, 2009   Last Updated: May 09, 2009

Keeping new years resolutions for this year can be a successful adventure. Not much equipment is needed to walk in the right direction and see progress. The experience might be challenging and yet very enjoyable. There will be mountains, winding roads and valleys. The journey begins with, is participated in and ends by faith.

Actually it can be a great experience to walk this way because the one that you are competing with can help you change. The very fact that you have a resolution indicates that there is a desire for excellence yet that desire will not be enough unless the vision is accompanied by endurance. Starting with a positive attitude, be patient with yourself and essentially treat yourself as you would your own best friend.

The clothing of kindness, forgiveness and gratitude is essential. Put away your old sweat suits and steel toed boots. Dress in new garments and life will be more joyful. The old ones have been restricting and certainly not at all comfortable.

During the year you may want to keep paper and a pen close by and track your progress periodically. Your goals can be written ones posted on the refrigerator or in places where you will see them. The key is to keep the steps you choose realistic and to stay focused on the desired goals.

You might create or display a picture and that may make it easier to envision yourself actually achieving what you desire. Perhaps you could keep a bulletin board, a dream book or a drawing of what you are hoping to accomplish. You may be a person who paints pictures in words and if that is your talent write a poem or story imagining yourself doing what you have resolved to do.

A calendar with specific goals and anticipated results may be helpful. Reward yourself with something beneficial as positive reinforcement. When some short term progress has been made take that opportunity to be thankful and encouraged.

Listen and make sure that the words that you are speaking are uplifting. If you find yourself saying something that reflects doubt see it as a caution sign, slow down be quiet and look for something to appreciate. The words you say are very important and can be very encouraging.

Find a quiet place to rest, meditate and remember. Memories of past victories will be a blessing to you now. Rest and consider that you were created with special gifts and abilities. Read inspirational literature with the goal of having an attitude that because of your will to succeed and by the grace of your creator you can keep the commitments that you have made.

These suggestions can be a catalyst for change. You will eventually see that what you envisioned is yours. Believe that you can reach your goals by receiving the miraculous gift of faith and then be a good steward of time. Soon you will look at those resolutions, realize the steps that were taken throughout the year and smile.

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