Not This Year!!!

We are NOT doing it.

We are putting an end to it once and for all.

The New Years Resolution is dead!

According to Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, and Harvard Business School professor, these resolutions could be doing more harm than good. The problem is simple: We’re setting ourselves up for failure and failure isn’t a strong motivator.

This year instead of the grandiose gesture of the New Years Resolution we will begin a new tradition.

A tradition that doesn’t set us up to fail. A tradition that gives us something to fall back on when times get tough.

Another example of why it’s time to start a new tradition based:

The University of Scranton – Journal of Clinical Psychology 2015 states that only 8% of people achieve their resolution.

Are you ready to step forward and create a new and success driving solution to replace the resolution?

Ok, here it is.

This tradition is something that Lori and I started a few years ago, and I’m here to tell you it beats the pants off the New Years Resolution.

We call it our: Word of the Year

Here’s how it works.

Every year on New Year’s Eve we get together with our circle of success and we all discuss our plans and goals for the upcoming year. During your talk time, you divulge your “word.”

I know, it sounds super simple, but there is some thought that needs to go into the selection of your word.

Here is an example of the process I use to come up with my word.

My word for 2016 was: growth.

When settling on my word, I think about all of my goals for the upcoming year. What do I want to achieve and how am I going to get it done.

As I reviewed my journal, it became evident that growth was my word.

I kept seeing the phrase “help as many people as possible achieve their goals.” I knew would have no chance of reaching this goal without growth. Growth personally, professionally, spiritually, growth in every area of my life.

When I thought about how I could do this, it hit me. If I want to grow, I need to help others grow. I need to help others on their success journey.

So my desire and passion for helping others combined with obsessive self-auditing, coaching, studying and tons of hard work lead me to one of my most successful years both personally and professionally of my life.

I know what you’re thinking. That’s great Jay you have a word, now what?

How I use my word:

Every day during 2016 I do two things without fail. My word is the first thing I write down in the morning and the last thing I write before I go to bed. This ritual keeps my laser focused on my word, which is my goal.

I also use my word to keep me on track when things get busy. Any time my mind starts to wonder, or my goals get blurry, I can always revisit my word, and it gets me back on course quickly.

So yes, it’s just a word, but it’s a word with meaning and power. My word encompasses my goals and in my goals are my successes.

I could take you back year after year and walk you through my words and how they worked for me, but I don’t want to keep you reading for days. Just know that every year so far, my word has been perfect for the results I desired.

Quick side note: My word of the year is how I named my business. My word for the year in 2014 was THRIVE. Do you see how it’s more than “just a word”? 

I hope you will start this new tradition with your circle of success this year.

I know you will find it to be a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals.

Be Great – Jay

P.S. Share your WORD with me. Post it on my Facebook page: Thrive Fitness

I’d love to support you on your journey into 2017.