It is very simple. The clock changes and the year rolls over to the next year. At that point, many of us make an internal agreement with ourselves to make something better this year. Whether it is about money, health, relationships, spiritual connection, family or personal growth, we imagine what our lives could be like if we only __________ (fill in the blank as you see fit). We know it is in our best interest and we may even make efforts towards that goal for a day, a week, or a month. Most fail and while we all know this, most people try again every January to make it work for that coming year. Others, on the other hand, just stop trying. Remember the concept of "You have to do something different to get a different result?" For this year, try this....
First, let me start by framing the suggestion.
Several years ago, I had an epiphany over the holiday break. A light bulb illuminated my mind and I realized something very important. I LOVE THE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE. Love, love, love them. I can feel it in my whole body when I think about my co-workers (even the ones who annoy me at times), my family (even when they may cause me pain at times), my friends (even when they disappear from my life temporarily)... everyone really. I love them all. I love meeting new people and learning what I can from them. The question that crossed my mind was... do they know it?
We give presents and send holiday wishes, but is that enough for each person to confidently know how much I value and appreciate them? Do they see it in my actions? Do they hear it in my words? I know what I intend, but I wasn't sure that it was always coming through in my interactions. So I made a resolution that had the strongest reverberating results I have ever had.... I resolved to enter ever encounter with others with love in my mind.
As I saw people approaching me in the hallway, I made a conscious decision to look at them with love. I put everything else out of my mind and would say hello and imagine as I did that an energy field of light and love flowed through me to them. I would walk into a meeting with a large number of people and before opening the door, I imagined my heart rays warming the air and looking at every person in the room with love and adoration. Every time I picked up the phone or walked through a door or focused on a person coming into a 10-foot radius of my body, EVERY TIME, I immediately thought of showering them with a radiant light of happiness and love.
Guess what happened?? My relationships transformed over night. Work was more fun... less people annoying me. Family time became more fulfilling... less stress than before. The quality of time with my friends improved... we made the most of each second we had.
This resolution unexpectedly had longer lasting results as well.... Unplanned reverberations occurred throughout the year long after my mood to approach every interaction with love had passed. Did I continue this mind change all year long? I would like to tell you yes, but it wouldn't be true. Like all resolutions, it passed too. However, unlike other resolutions of years passed, the results lasted throughout the year like a loud echo. The people I interacted with earlier in the year remembered that feeling and approached their next interaction with me on a positive foot. That left me with a positive feeling, which in turn influenced the next interaction I had with them and so on and so forth. It turned out to be a great year with many amazing and memorable outcomes.
So, here's your challenge.... Change your resolution from a result or action to a change of mindset about that which you want different this year. Resolve to approach with love the actions you need to take in order to get the results you want.
RELATIONSHIPS==> Instead of focusing on building stronger relationships, focus on approaching each interaction with others with love.
HEALTH==> Instead of focusing on losing weight, make a resolution to approach exercise and eating healthy as something you LOVE doing.
CAREER==> Instead of resolving to finding your dream job, make a resolution to approach everything you do at work with love.
FINANCIAL==> Instead of focusing on making more money, resolve to be thankful and love what you have.
PERSONAL GROWTH==> Instead of focusing on becoming a smarter, more intelligent person, resolve to love feeling uncomfortable and learning new things.
FAMILY==> Instead of focusing on spending more time with your loved ones, resolve to approach every second together with love and appreciation.
As you change you mindset and what you are holding in your mind, it will come through in your actions which will get you the results you really want. It will also make the journey more enjoyable. And you know what happens when you enjoy the journey? You do it longer and with more dedication!
NOW, go make the best resolution of your life and have the most amazing year yet!!
Williamvads