By Kai Charles
Happy New Year! This is the month that many make plans for the new year. The day that leads to several months of crowded gyms, hundreds spent on protein powders and diet teas, and the word Resolution.
Let’s take a look at the definition of Resolution:
A firm decision to do or not to do something. The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.
So we begin the year inspired and resolved to make a change. The change is usually about something we see as either a negative in our life or something we wish to add to it.
A great plan right? So why then do the gyms get less crowded in March? And why do we inevitably end up donating used workout gear, good cookbooks, and throwing out expired protein powder by summer’s end? Because to make lasting change, we need to build up a level of consistency, to power the actions and decisions we desire to make the reality.
That’s where mindfulness comes in. Let’s look at the definition of Mindfulness:
The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.
So how does Mindfulness help you with your goals? Because the tools of mindfulness cause you to check in with yourself on a daily, weekly or monthly basis on the state of your goals.
Once the usage of these tools becomes a habit, you will find that tuning into your emotions, and your physical reactions become almost a default setting for the world. Sounds great right? It is! However like falling off the wagon can happen in the world of Resolution making, it can also occur in a practice of mindfulness. We are human. But over the past two years, I have had tremendous success reaching my goals with mindful practices vs. making a list of resolutions.
Tools of Mindfulness
Here are the best instruments to use in cultivating mindfulness:
Journaling
Take time every day to write down your thoughts. Use a notebook, your organizer, a computer even your I phone. I also love this journal kit from Flow magazine. It’s a little pricey but worth it.
Meditation
Not only does meditation help with stress and anxiety but is also an excellent tool for visualizing your goals. I love the app Stop, Breathe, Think. It’s free and very easy to use.
Lose It
I had tremendous success with this app, and I used the free version. With lose it you set a weekly weight loss goal and are given a daily allotment of calories. If you exercise, you get more calories! I love this app because I don’t believe in diets and being accountable with your calories leads to making better choices.
I hope this inspires you to add mindfulness to your goal setting. Let me know your results.
Kai Charles is a Medical Professional, Jedi Hopeful, and Independent Book Reviewer at Fiction State of Mind.
You can also find her on Twitter @yogikai , tweeting about all things relating to Books & Geek Culture
Blog link : http:// fictionstateofmind.blogspot.com
TWITTER LINK : http://twitter.com/@ yogikai
