A lot of people begin a new year or set a new goal for themselves by making resolutions. We start with great intentions, but then we quickly relapse into old habits. Why is it so hard to stick to those resolutions? Perhaps because we set unrealistic goals for ourselves or because several months later we’ve already forgotten what our resolution was.
As an alternative to a resolution, each of the last 10 years I’ve given myself a personal MANTRA – one very short & memorable phrase that I consider as a way of life as opposed to a goal that I have to achieve. It’s a little voice that gives me that little supportive push whenever I need it. For example, “Be Active,” “Challenge Yourself,” “Experience New Things.”
Simple tips to make your personal Mantra an effective one:
1) Keep it short. Ideally 2 or 3 words. Anything more than that and you won’t remember it.
2) Start with a verb. Use words that spur you into action (“Seize the Day”) not just a nice sounding phrase like “You Snooze You Lose”
3) Use positive words. Choose a mantra such as “Eat healthy” as opposed to “Stop eating junk food”
4) Make it memorable. Have fun with it and even print it on a t-shirt if you have to.
5) Focus on the Big Rocks. Choose a mantra that addresses your biggest priority.