Harriette Lowenstein, MA, LMFT

 Wow! We are almost through the first month of the new year.  How are you doing on your "resolutions'?  Those of you who know me know that I  do not recommend making resolutions, but rather, intentions or declarations of purpose.  Most resolutions are broken within two weeks after making them.  Why do you think that is? 

Most resolutions are about losing weight, quitting smoking, saving more money, exercising more, etc.  While these are all well-intentioned, they are rarely well thought out.  The truth is, for a resolution to become an intention or a declaration, it needs to have FOCUS, i.e. a clear-cut plan with definite steps and vision of what it will look like when you achieve it.

 " The secret to productive goal-setting is in establishing clearly defined goals, writing them down and then focusing on them several times a day with words, pictures and emotions as if we've already achieved them."  Denis Waitley

If you have already abandoned your resolutions, don't fret.  Statistics show that 97% of the people who make resolutions, break them.  This year, turn your resolutions into purposeful goals and create the life you love.

Harriette

 

 1.  REflect.  The first step to setting clear intentions for the new year is to feel complete with events and experiences of the past year.  To do this, simply relflect on the year just past.  Note the accomplishments, challenges, successes, opportunities and gifts that you experienced.  Now, allow yourself to release anything that you may be hanging on to.  Take a deep relaxing breath and focus on the year ahead and all the potential that lies ahead for you.

2.  REfocus.  Focus on all you want to achieve this year and write your goals down.  Goal-setting is the trigger that fires your imagination and releases your potential.  Do you want to make more money?  Strenghten your relationships with your spouse, children, extended family?  Stick to a healthy program of diet and exercise?  Write it down.  A thought captured on paper and reviewed regularly is held as a goal for your subconscious to pursue; it moves it to another level of power.

3.  REpeat.  Stay focused on your goals, knowing they already exist  at some level, and that you task is to draw them into physical reality  through thought, word and deed.  The key is to proceed with the energy of desire, not need. A thought that you have accepted as true is one that you no longer question, and it therefore becomes a belief.  Act "as if" you are living your best year and you will create it.

4.  REjoice.  Celebrate each success and welcome your mistakes.  They are simply lessons for growth and greater success. Learning to choose a positive response to  negative situations allows us ultimately to triumph.  REward yourself for sticking to your goals and moving closer to your best year yet!

 

I am committed to helping people who are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and unappreciated in their lives and relationships develop strategies to improve their lives and loves and live with and intention and purpose. 

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact me at 805-339-9809 or email me at hlowensteinmft@gmail.com