MAKING RESOLUTIONS AND SETTING GOALS VS. VISIONING - VOLUME 12, ISSUE 9 - JANUARY 2021
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For years, we've made resolutions, and most of us have started off enthusiastically sticking to them, but have given up on them by the end of January. A major problem is that these resolutions translate into obligations or duties and, as soon as we think of them that way, we want to avoid them. And most of us do!
More recently, people have started talking about goals. This sounds better, but the results don't seem to have changed. For example, a goal might be to lose 15 pounds by June 1. This leads to deciding on a diet, which we then find ways to avoid!
James Clear, in his best-selling book Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way To Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, emphasizes the importance of building a system of atomic (little) habits to achieve your goals; i.e., an atomic habit is a little habit that is part of a larger system of little habits. Just as atoms are the building blocks of molecules, atomic habits are the building blocks of remarkable results. To get better results, focus on your system of small habits that get you closer to your goal, not on the goal itself.
How do I get started?
You might start by asking yourself what small daily targets you can set that lead to the behaviour you want to see. If you continually build a set of good habits that align with your goals, you will have a very high likelihood of achieving what you have set out to do.
Clear advises us to forget about goals and focus on systems instead. For example, winners and losers have the same goal, e.g. they all want to win the race, get the job, and so on. It's the person who best implements a system of continuous small improvements who will achieve the goal.
The surprising power of making small changes or developing atomic habits
Too often, we think that we have to make major improvements to succeed. However, it has been demonstrated that a tiny improvement, which may not even be noticeable, can result in huge differences over time. Mathematically, if you can get 1% better every day for one year, you'll end up 37 times better by the end of the year. Regardless of your current level of success (in the area you choose to improve), what matters is whether your habits are putting you on the path toward success.
An amazing example of getting 1% better every day
A real-life and very impressive example of what can be achieved by aiming to get 1% better every day is Chris Nikic. Chris is a 21-year-old with Down syndrome. He was the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon in Florida in November 2020. You may be aware that the Ironman triathlon involves a 2.4-mile open-water swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. This must be completed in under 17 hours; Chris's time was 16 hours, 46 minutes and 9 seconds. This is an incredible feat for anyone, and even more so for a person with physical handicaps, e.g. problems with balance, like Chris.
He began exercising in 2017 with one pushup, one sit-up and one squat, aiming to improve his performance by 1% each day. He got to the point of being able to do 200 of each. His father said, "Every day he looks at what he did the day before, the week before, and he just works a little bit harder to just get a little bit better, and his success is really the culmination of consistent effort over two years." What a wonderful example for us all!
Perhaps this year, you might like to consider applying the 1% improvement strategy for improving your health. An excellent starting point would be to add a super antioxidant to your health regimen. My specific suggestion would be Zambroza. It will benefit all body systems, and that includes strengthening your immune system. You might continue next month with a supplement that is specific to your health. Imagine, if you apply the 1% strategy to your health all year; what will your health be like by the end of the year!
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A source of antioxidants for the maintenance of good health.
A flavourful blend of 14 exotic fruit and extracts.
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Recommended Dosage (adults): Take 15 ml (1/2 oz.) one to two times daily.
Supplements
There are a number of supplements to help you maximize your health. You can find information about these products and purchase them in our online store:
Super Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin D
Omega-3
Zambroza
