New Year, New You!

Most of us start the New Year with the attitude and desire for change.  In fact, it’s this very feeling of having a fresh new outlook that allows us to feel hopeful and excited about the coming year.  And it is with this spirit that we make promises and resolutions to do things better by changing behaviors and actions that no longer serve us.  In our quest though, we have a tendency to focus more on the action instead of connecting ourselves to the action.  For example, if we want to be healthier, we might stop eating junk food.  However, that’s just changing one isolated behavior rather than seeing the whole picture.  The whole picture that I am referring to here is our new image, our self-image as a “healthy person”, instead of just an individual who is taking a different action.  Rather then starting with the action in mind, start with your image.

Let’s face it; we all have our own personal image of ourselves.  Since we are all significantly defined by it, our image definitely has the impact and power to affect our life in a big way.  And because of this, why not use this power to help us achieve the change that we are looking for in our life?  So, if we are always living up to the image that we have of ourselves, let’s just make it a great image!

Start by thinking about what you want to create for your life.  What image represents this ideal?  Then act like a person with that image.  The term for this is “modeling”, and it’s really a great way to facilitate change.  What behaviors will you need to adopt?  Practice those behaviors that represent that new image and use them on a daily basis.  Besides behaviors, you will need to incorporate the beliefs and ways of thinking that support this image.

Some examples to consider…

• Do you want to be a healthy person?  Then create a healthy image.  How does a healthy person act?  What does a healthy person look like?  What does a healthy person eat?  How does a healthy person live?

• Do you want to be successful?  How does a successful person act?  What makes them successful?

• Do you want to be a millionaire?  Then act like a millionaire.  How does a millionaire think?  How does a millionaire feel about money?

If you are uncertain about an image, try asking an individual who you feel fits the particular image that you are seeking, and then explore their belief system, mindset and actions.  I hope you delight in the discovery of your new image.

Happy New Year and Happy New You!