Change your focus and change your results

Happy New Year! Now that we are a couple of weeks into 2009, how are your New Year's resolutions going? Have you been able to stick with them or have you given up already?

I often hear people complain about not being able to successfully reach their goals. While many of these people have specific, realistic goals, the problem lies in their focus. Sometimes this is just a matter of your choice of words. Try this quick example: don't think about chocolate. What are you thinking about now? More than likely, you are thinking about chocolate. This is what sabotages many of our goals - we think about what we DON'T want to do rather than what we DO want to do. By simply changing your words, you change your focus, which changes your thoughts, and in turn changes your results. Sounds simple enough, right?

Consider this example:

Goal: To lose 10 pounds in the next 2 months by not eating fast food.

Analysis: This is a great start! This goal is specific, measurable, timely, and achievable. However, it focuses on an activity that is to be avoided.

New goal: To lose 10 pounds in the next 2 months by eating meals at home.

Obviously, these are the same goals...to lose 10 pounds. But this subtle difference in wording allows the brain to focus on the desired behavior, rather than the non-desired behavior. Your chances of success can increase exponentially with only a simple change in words. Amazing, isn't it?

My challenge to you this month is to carefully examine your goals and see if you are focused on a positive outcome. Can you change your focus to change your results? If you need help getting started, please feel free to email or call me to set up a session. If you've got an example you'd like to share, please post your comments.

Wishing you much success,
Coach April

http://www.nexuscoachingpartners.com/
"Bringing Inspiration to Life!"