Broken New Year's Resolutions!
Author: Sandy Pheil

So it’s been a few months since you made those New Year resolutions and how many are still a daily priority? Probably not many. Why does this happen? Well, I’m here to tell you a few of the most common mistakes made by folks. But first, let’s learn a bit about where this undelivered over promised tradition derived.

The Babylonians celebrated New Years Day over four thousand years ago, although their celebration was in March rather than in January, coinciding with the spring planting of crops. Resolutions are a reflection of the Babylonians' belief that what a person does on the first day of the New Year will have an effect throughout the entire year. Side note; You might want to remember that at the next New Year's Eve party!

Regardless of the Babylonians tradition, The New Year for modern day folks has always been a time for reflecting on the past year’s events, and looking forward to what’s in store in the coming year. It's time to become motivated to change the things needed. But more often then not, most people choose resolutions that are dreams or drastic changes that may be difficult to show immediate results. Hence, one of the reasons a resolution is broken.

To help you achieve these resolutions. Below is a list of some things to remember…

1. Don’t set too many resolutions! There's a temptation, with the New Year, to run off a list of everything we've ever wanted to change. Don’t do it! You'll have better luck fulfilling one or two goals than you will with a list of twenty. You can always add new resolutions later. Take one thing at a time and focus.

2. Don’t ask for your ship to come in!. You must choose action oriented goals that are achievable over time. This is not the lottery. It’s a resolution for change, a commitment for a better life. If your resolution is more money, then be the captain for your ship. Guide it along a course that will reach the shoreline of your choice.

3. Make a Plan. This is the TRUE key to success! Once you know what your resolution is, try to break it down. Nobody accomplishes anything of significance by trying to do it all at once. This doesn't have to be a complicated plan; just put it on paper and stick to what you write. And keep that paper in eye sight always.

4. Celebrate! You must reward yourself through the progress. Every small accomplishment needs to be recognized and honored. This will give you encouragement to continue. For example, if your resolutions is to loose 10 lbs. Celebrate yourself for each pound you loose, or each time you eliminate the bad foods and add healthier choices, or when you increase your exercise program.

Example: Loose 20 lbs, you might devise a plan like this:

1) Determine the amount of time it will take to loose the weight (realistically)

2) Surf the Internet to find different exercise plans and research gyms to join.

3) Create a meal plan (with a nutritionist or purchase a book)

4) Create an exercise plan (by week, by month…)

5) Write out meal and exercise plans and keep in eyes sight always
For those of you now inspired and thinking, I wish I would have known this on Dec. 31st. Well, there’s good news. It’s not too late to start now! So what, it’s better than giving up completely and never achieving a thing. There is always time if you use the time wisely!

Now get out that piece of paper, write down the one or two goals and get into action!
Good luck, I’ll be cheering for you!

Author: Sandy Pheil, Professional Life Coach in Transforming Your Ordinary. You can learn more about Sandy and life coaching at www.alchemycoach.com or email her at sandy@alchemycoach.com






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Sandy Pheil is the Founder and President of Alchemy Partners, Inc., a Life Coaching firm based out of Orlando, Florida. While spending several years living a false dream in corporate America, Sandy made her way up the ladder in marketing and promotions for some of the largest companies in the world. During that period, her limited spare time was spent on fitness and nutrition. She ran several marathons, double digits of road races and coached many friends and coworkers in personal training and weight management. Then, about to head for New York City on 9/11/01, and as with many, life changed for Sandy. In the next six months following, Sandy left the Pepsi-Cola Company as a senior marketing manager, moved back to Florida and started training to be a Life Coach. “I realized what my true skills and passions were, and we only have (snap!). Today to live a true dream of comfort.” Throughout Sandy’s life, she has conquered some huge obstacles. She overcame her battle with anxiety disorders by creating a life motto she calls “Push Through”. On the physical side beyond completing several marathons, she “Pushed Through” the Machu Picchu Mountains of Peru. Sandy believes passionately that a positive mind over negative matter is the key to self- love and true happiness! Sandy has spent the last 15 years mastering the Marketing and Promotions industry by working for some of the most successful innovative brand companies in the world, such as Coke, Pepsi, Daimler Chrysler and OmniCom. Her extensive business experience consists of the analysis and understanding of consumer attitudes and behaviors, such as what motivates an individual to buy – the when and the why. She holds thirteen years of staff supervision and client strategy development, as well as experience in writing extensive marketing plans and leading teams on successful executions against key corporate initiatives. Sandy has been a member of several organizations that support woman and diversity in the workplace (FAFE, WFF). Her passions are outdoor fitness challenges, wine and her little doggy, Jordan. S he takes great pride in teaching golf and dance to underprivileged kids and mentoring college students at several Universities. Sandy has a B.A. from the School of Journalism (Ad/PR), University of Central Florida. She is a Certified Fitness Nutritionist, a member of USA Track and Field, a senior member of International Coaching Academy, a member of NAFE,an Affiliate of You-World Coaching Centers and President of the Central Florida Coachville Chapter.

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