A New Year, a New YOU: How to Make 2012 Your Best Year Yet © 2012 Health Realizations, Inc.
Around the first of the year, you begin to hear a lot about self-improvement, self-empowerment and how to actually achieve all of those New Year’s resolutions you’ve made. Most of it probably goes in one ear and right out the other, and your New Year begins to look a whole lot like years gone by.
How to Replace New Year’s Resolutions with Actionable Intentions and Actions
In the paragraphs that follow, you’ll learn ways to set realistic goals and achieve desired outcomes that “you will achieve” by being in the moment everyday with what you want to do, will do, and that you then do -- to achieve exactly what you want to in your life journey starting now … today!
If you ever begin to doubt your ability to succeed, remember the story of Cliff Young.
This year, let’s say you really want to make some changes, whatever they may be. You are ready to position yourself for continuous success -- physically, mentally, career-wise and in your relationships. But how? And can it actually be done?
If you’re not yet sure, then you haven’t heard the remarkable story of Cliff Young, a then 61-year-old farmer who is still being talked about for something he did more than two decades ago.
In 1983, Cliff decided to compete in what is considered one of the world’s most grueling marathons, an annual endurance race of 543.7 miles that takes place in Australia.
As you might imagine, the world-class athletes (most of whom are under 30) who compete in this event train extensively for it. Cliff showed up in work boots and overalls, determined to compete in the five-day run.
Of course, everyone thought he was crazy, but Cliff would hear none of it. According to EliteFeet.com, he told them:
Cliff Young, as seen both during and after various races.
“See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn't afford horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up, whenever the storms would roll in, I'd have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I'd always catch them. I believe I can run this race."
As the race began, the pro runners took off and Cliff shuffled slowly behind. The professionals knew that to complete the race, you had to run about 18 hours a day and sleep for six. Well, Cliff didn’t know that, so he just kept running.
At the end of the five days, it was Cliff who ended up crossing the finish line first, and he even set a new course record. In the years to come, Cliff entered the race again and took 7th place. Today, his shuffling style of running has been accepted by a new generation of ultra-marathon runners because it is thought to be more energy-efficient!
The moral of the story?
Everything Begins With Attitude
A positive attitude trumps just about everything when it comes to success.
“People who are optimistic or happy have better performance in work, school and sports, are less depressed, have fewer physical health problems, and have better relationships with other people,” the Positive Psychology Center states. “Further, optimism can be measured and it can be learned.”
What this means is that if you can develop an attitude like Cliff Young’s, it will all but guarantee you a successful and happy life. Because once you’re sure that things will turn out OK, you’ll be amazed at how often you are right!
Feeling down? Motivation expert Dr. Wayne Dyer suggests you, “Look for a new, joyous feeling within you.”
You see, your thoughts are more than just abstract emotions running through your head. They color and create your very reality. So if you allow negative, self-sabotaging thoughts to control your mind, your worldview and your life experiences will also be negative.
On the other hand, by making an effort to nurture your positive attitude, and squelch your negative one, your life will change for the better.
As self-help guru Dr. Wayne Dyer said in one of his bits of daily inspiration:
“You have the power to create the naturally stress-free and tranquil life you desire: You can either activate thoughts that produce stress within you, or activate thoughts that make stress impossible. It’s your choice.”
How to Foster a Positive Attitude in 2012
Right now stress may be threatening to overtake your good mood, but don’t let it. With the tips that follow you can achieve and maintain a positive attitude in the New Year, and use it to make all of your dreams come true.
THIS IS IMPORTANT TO DO WITH (OR REQUEST FROM) YOUR CHILDREN. Former CEO of Mercola.com and Founder of Health Realizations, Inc. John Dearlove has developed and used this process, which he calls DOUBLE POSITIVE REINFORCMENT BEHAVIOR DEVELOPMENT. It has worked for all parties including John’s 4 wonderful very responsible children and for John (more of John’s Seven PRINCIPLES of Self-Value and True Happiness to come in future articles).
Anxiety? Negative Thoughts? Worries?
Turn OFF the Bad News and REPLACE it with Doing Kind and Inspirational Loving Things You Value, Enjoy and that YOU will Cherish!
Relax... Live in the moment and make meaningful memorable good and valuable choices! It's NOT always fun, yet almost all you do can be rewarding! There's no need to worry; you know how to relax instantly by just "releasing and letting go" of those things that you can do nothing about... while taking meaningful actions of things you can positively affect. Plus change and replace those you cannot with focus on positive actions that produce your desired outcomes. Simply eliminate the causes of negative stress by make good choices from the start... and follow through with personal integrity and commitment accomplishing the big things that really matter long-term. Letting go of the little things as they will naturally fall into place. When you feel anxious give yourself permission to:
Sources
University of Pennsylvania: Positive Psychology Center
EliteFeet.com: The Legend of Cliff Young