New Year's Resolutions - Planning for Positive Change

Are you starting to contemplate your New Year resolutions? Or have you resolved never to make a New Year's resolution again? If the latter, you're not alone. Many people get demoralized when, year after year, they make resolutions that they keep for only a few weeks.

Why is this? After all, we all have the best intentions, and the timing (new year, new start) couldn't be better. A key problem lies in the fact that we place a huge amount of pressure on ourselves. During the last week of December and the first week of January, it can seem that all you hear is, "What are your New Year's resolutions? " "What are you going to work on this year?".

And the focus is on the "what" not the "how." When you are more concerned with the goal you set than on the specifics of how you are going to accomplish it, this can quickly lead to failure.

So, if you resolve to set successful New Year resolutions, read on. Let's focus on how, this year, you can set yourself up to achieve them!

New Year Resolution Mistakes

There are two common mistakes that people tend to make when they start to make their New Year resolutions: They think about what they "should" do, rather than what they really want to do. And worse, they think about what they should stop doing, rather than what they actually want to achieve. "What should I do this year?" "What should I stop doing?", "What do other people suggest I should work on?"

To be successful at any change, you need to really want it. Unless you take the time to think about what it is that you really want you (rather than what you should do or should stop doing), you will invariably end up making resolutions that you are not fully committed to.

Without commitment, you aren't motivated. After the first setbacks or obstacles, you'll probably quit. So the first rule of New Year Resolutions is to only make resolutions that you can commit to – don't make them because it is "the thing to do", or because someone has told you that you should.

The irony of it is that New Year's resolutions have the potential to be very powerful, because making them is such a well recognized practice. Everyone knows that everyone else is setting resolutions. And what a great mutual support network that can provide!

This external motivation and support, along with your internal motivation – your desire to succeed – is what can make the difference between success and failure.

Eight Rules for New Year's Resolutions

Our Eight Rules for New Year's Resolutions will help to set you up for success right from the start. Inevitably you will come up against challenges and road blocks along the way; however by planning ahead and following these rules, you'll be better placed to deal with these problems easily, rather than stumble and quit.

Rule 1: Commit to Your Resolution

Successful resolutions start with a strong commitment to make a change. To succeed, you must believe that you can accomplish what you set out to do, and really want to achieve it. Bolster that belief and desire by doing the following:

1. Choose resolutions that you really want to achieve – and express them in a positive way.
2. Announce your resolution to everyone around you – they will help to hold you accountable.
3. Develop a ceremony to mark the beginning of your commitment – this makes it more "real" and special for you.
4. Don't leave your choice of resolution to the last minute - take time to think about your goals, and make sure that you are mentally committed to them.
5. Questions to ask yourself to determine if you can take ownership of your resolution include:

• Is this resolution my idea or someone else's?
• Does this resolution motivate and invigorate me?
• Does this resolution sit comfortably with other factors in my life, such as my values and long-term plans?
  

6. Remember that there's no reason why your New Year's resolution should take all year to achieve!

Tip:
Imagery is a powerful technique to help you own and commit to your resolutions. Picture yourself having attained your goal. How do you feel? How do you look? Where are you, and what are you doing? How do others react to you? By visualizing yourself in the position you desire, you can bolster your belief that you can achieve your goal, and strengthen your desire to do so.

Rule 2: Be Realistic

The key to achieving goals is continued motivation. If you set goals that are too difficult, you risk failing. Consistently failing at something is profoundly de-motivating (it's no wonder that after a few dismal attempts, some people abandon the idea of New Year's resolutions altogether!)

1. Think carefully before setting the same resolution that you set last year. If it didn't work for you then, make sure that there is good reason that you can achieve it this year. What has changed? Do you have more commitment to make it work? (Be careful, or else you will end up with a repeat performance, and another failed resolution!)
2. Aim lower, rather than too high – aim for something that is challenging, but that you have a good chance of accomplishing. If there is any doubt, err on the side of caution and expand your goal later if you want to keep improving.
3. Don't try to do too much. There is no reason to set more than one or two resolutions. Anymore than that, and you'll lose focus, and lessen your chances of success in any one area.
   

Rule 3: Write It Down

A simple but powerful technique for making your goal feel real is to put your resolution into writing. There is something inside us that creates more commitment and drive when we do this. Consider writing your resolution down on pieces of card, and keeping it where you'll see it often – on your desk, on the fridge door, or in your wallet.

Rule 4: Make a Plan

This is where so many resolutions fall down. Articulating what you want to achieve is one thing; deciding how to do it is quite another. Don't miss out this step!

1. Start by envisioning where you want to be.
2. Then work back along your path to where you are today, writing down all of the milestones that you need to pass in between.
3. Decide what you will do to reach each of these milestones, at least at a high level. (You can plan in more detail as you reach that stage.)
   

Rule 5: Be Flexible

Not everything will work out precisely the way you planned. If you are too rigid in your approach to making resolutions, the first minor obstacle can throw you off your course completely.

1. When creating your plan, try to predict some of the challenges that you will face. Make a contingency plan for the ones that have the highest probability, and mentally prepare yourself for others, just in case they come up.
2. Realize that your resolution itself may change along the way. As long as this is positive, that's not failure, it's reality. As your life changes, so will your goals, dreams, and desires. Remember Rule 1 (Commit to Your Resolution): If you need to make changes to the goal so that you continue to care about it, do so.
   

Tip:
There is no fixed rule saying that a resolution must be set in January. If your circumstances mean that it is better to wait until March, then do so. Resolution making and goal setting are a year round activity.

Rule 6: Use a System of Reminders

It's hard to keep focused on your plan when you have many other commitments, responsibilities, and obligations. The best way to stay on top of your resolution is to develop a formal reminder system.

1. We'll say it again: have your written resolutions visible at as many times of the day as possible. Leave reminders at work, at home, in the car, on your calendar, in your briefcase, and so on.
2. Make sure that the actions you have planned are on your To-Do List (perhaps have a special section for them at the top).
3. Set up reminders in your desktop calendar or subscribe to an email reminder service.
4. Think creatively about how you can remind yourself of your resolutions, so that they stay in the front of your mind.
   

Rule 7: Track Your Progress

You won't know how well you are doing unless you keep track of your progress. This is why your detailed plan is so important. By building excitement around the little successes, you can keep yourself motivated, and keep pushing forwards.

1. Use a journal and regularly make an entry in it regarding your progress.
2. Note when you felt particularly pleased with your efforts.
3. Note when you felt down, or felt like quitting. Over time, look for common themes and decide if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
4. Record challenges you faced, as well as things that went better than planned.
5. Look back at your entries on a regular basis, and use your past experiences to shape your attitude as you move forward.
6. Ask a friend or family member to call you on pre-defined occasions to discuss your progress.
   

Rule 8: Reward Yourself

Although knowledge of a job well done can be reward enough, we all enjoy a little treat from time to time. Even the most committed person needs a boost, and sometimes that is best accomplished through an external reward.

When you are developing your plan, make a note of a few milestones where you will reward yourself once you have achieved them. But spread them out – you want to make sure that the rewards remain special, and are not too easy to get!

Key Points

New Year's resolutions can be a pain or a pleasure – the choice is yours! If they're a pain, you may resolve never to make a resolution again, so resolve to make them a pleasure! The starting point is to focus on something that you really want and are ready to give your commitment to. Do this and you'll be in a great position to stay motivated and be successful!

As you plan your New Year resolutions, apply the Eight Rules to set yourself up for success.

p/s : Thanks to Mr Mehan for sharing this :)

A.Z.A.M.

Pejam celik, pejam celik dah nak masuk tahun 2010. Apa pencapaian tahun nih? Macam takde je. :P Adeh.. Azam tahun nih, rasanya ada yang tercapai.. ada yang tak tercapai langsung. Mari kita review..

1. Yang ini, memang tak tercapai.. blum rezeki lagi.. ;)
2. Yeah, berjaya menurunkan beberapa kg. Tapi bulan nih naik balik gara-gara makan coklat Cadbury hari-hari, setiap minggu ada kenduri kahwin, ada makan-makan sempena festive season, bbq dengan family dan bulan meraikan cinta hati ;)
3. Masih meneruskan pengajian walaupun dalam hati rasa tak mampu nak concentrate pada study sepenuhnya. Bertahanlah!! Dah separuh jalan dah pun nih.
   
4. Kena KIV dulu.
5. Acid ada belikan BB. La nih, tengah antar service. ;)
6. Tiap kali JCard Members Day, duk usha-usha. Alih-alih beli menda lain :P
7. Sekarang duk buat business lain.. secara jujurnya, dah lama tak pegi kelas ilmu business nih.. tak boleh nak kendong semua, risau semuanya tercicir. So, fokus kat study je.. insyaAllah, lepas abis blaja, fokus kat business plak. Tapi I still jual Premium Beautiful dan Bio Aura. Kalau berminat, jangan la segan silu yea ;)
8. Bila la nak g kelas make-up nih??
9. Begitu juga dengan kelas masak-memasak??

Azam korang macamana? Dah tercapai ke?

Selamat Bertunang Qiey

Once upon a time you met
And shared much love and laughter
May your Engagement continue the fairy tale
Happy Ever After

p/s: This is only a teaser. I will update later.
credit to Cik Surie for the picca, but i touched up a lil' bit

Doa Akhir Tahun & Doa Awal Tahun

Doa Akhir Tahun dibaca 3kali pada akhir waktu Asar atau sebelum masuk waktu Maghrib pada akhir bulan Zulhijjah.

Barangsiapa yang membaca doa akhir tahun ini, maka syaitan akan berkata:"Kesusahan bagiku dan sia-sialah pekerjaanku menggoda anak Adam pada setahun ini dan Allah binasakan aku suatu saat jua. Dengan sebab menbaca doa ini, Allah ampunkan dosanya setahun".

Doa Akhir Tahun:

Maksudnya:
Allah SWT berselawat ke atas penghulu kami Muhammad SAW, ahli keluarga dan sahabat-sahabat baginda dan kesejahteraan ke atas mereka.

Wahai Tuhan, apa yang telah aku lakukan dalam tahun ini daripada perkara-perkara yang Engkau tegah daripada aku melakukannya dan aku belum bertaubat daripadanya. Sedangkan Engkau tidak redha dan tidak melupakannya. Dan aku telah melakukannya di dalam keadaan di mana Engkau berupaya untuk menghukumku, tetapi Engkau mengilhamkanku dengan taubat selepas keberanianku melakukan dosa-dosa itu semuanya. Sesungguhnya aku memohon keampunanMu, maka ampunilah aku. Dan tidaklah aku melakukan yang demikian daripada apa yang Engkau redhainya dan Engkau menjanjikanku dengan pahala atas yang sedemikian itu. Maka aku memohon kepadaMu.

Wahai Tuhan! Wahai yang Maha Pemurah! Wahai Yang Maha Agung dan wahai Yang Maha Mulia agar Engkau menerima taubat itu dariku dan janganlah Engkau menghampakan harapanku kepadaMu Wahai Yang Maha Pemurah. Dan Allah berselawat ke atas penghulu kami Muhammad, ke atas ahli keluarga dan sahabat-sahabatnya dan mengurniakan kesejahteraan ke atas mereka.

Amin..

Doa Awal Tahun dibaca 3kali sesudah solat Maghrib pada malam satu Muharram.

Barangsiapa yang membaca doa awal tahun ini, insya Allah dirinya akan terpelihara daripada gangguan dan godaan syaitan di sepanjang tahun tersebut.

Doa Awal Tahun:

Maksudnya:
Allah SWT berselawat ke atas penghulu kami Muhammad SAW, ahli keluarga dan sahabat-sahabat baginda dan kesejahteraan ke atas mereka.

Wahai Tuhan, Engkaulah yang kekal abadi, yang qadim. yang awal dan ke atas kelebihanMu yang besar dan kemurahanMu yang melimpah dan ini adalah tahun baru yang telah muncul di hadapan kami. Kami memohon pemeliharaan dariMu di sepanjang tahun ini dari syaitan dan pembantu-pembantunya dan tentera-tenteranya dan juga pertolongan terhadap diri yang diperintahkan melakukan kejahatan dan usaha yang mendekatkanku kepadaMu Wahai Tuhan Yang Maha Agung dan Maha Mulia.

Wahai Tuhan Yang Maha pengasih dari mereka yang mengasihi dan Allah berselawat ke atas penghulu kami Muhammad. Nabi yang ummi dan ke atas ahli keluarga dan sahabat-sahabatnya dan kesejahteraan ke atas mereka.

Jalan-jalan sampai lebam

Hari nih I cuti. My annual leave dah negative pun. :P I tak nak la amek unpaid leave. Banyak ok kena tolak. So, nih kira pinjam cuti tahun depan.. Acid nya cuti banyak lagi. Orang dah lama kerja, standard la kan.. Apa yang Acid & I buat sepanjang hari..

1. Pagi-pagi lagi dah pegi KWSP. Settle kan permohonan pengeluaran pendidikan. "They" still owe me the money (they itu bukan KWSP). Paling cepat dapat dalam masa 2 minggu, paling lambat sebulan. Tak kesah la, asal dapat keluarkan duit tuh. Sangat senang berurusan kat kaunter KWSP Jalan Reko. Masa menunggu tak lama. Yeala, tak ramai orang pun. Pastuh kami buat semakan Penama tuk KWSP dan terus buat penama. Anda dah semak? Cam iklan plak :P
2. Dah selesai kat KWSP, kami pegi Lembaga Zakat Selangor plak tuk bayar zakat pendapatan. Alhamdulillah, harap berkatlah rezeki kami. :) Cuma tak puas hati sikit sebab kaunter yang buka 1 je. Memang la tak ramai yang datang nak bayar, tapi lama jugak nak tunggu. Kalau setakat nak bayar dalam 10-15minit memang dah selesai.
3. Pastuh, hantar my parents & Adam g LCCT. Mereka sedang bercuti sambil melawat Amir di Adelaide & Melbourne, Australia. Adeh! Nak pegi jugak. Almost everyday I akan check harga tiket flight. Tue pun kalau I tak bizik. Kalau bizik, skali check, dah naik harga. Hopefully dapat pegi by next year.
4. Its Jcard Members Day @ Mid Valley. Apa lagi, terjahlah!! Plan asal nak cari LCD tv. vacuum cleaner & portable DVD. But ended up beli vacuum cleaner je. Yang lain tuh KIV dulu la. Nak bagi cukupkan jumlah pembelian tuk dapatkan gift voucher, kena la tambah beli barang lain. Beli apa lagi kalau bukan inner wear. Dah lama I cari panties for period. Bila tanya kat SA, dia tunjuk kat area panties for pregnant mommy. Demmit. 2 kali I pegi tanya, dia still tunjuk kat area tuh. Last2 g tanya kat SA yang lain.
   
5. Cari hadiah for our anniversary. Ok, Acid nak snickers. I pun tak berapa pasti dia nak yang macamana. Puas dah jalan, tapi tak sempat pun tawaf Mid tuh.. Last2, I yang dapat.. Hehehe.. Thanks Darling.. I love u..

p/s: Esok kita ke The Gardens pulaks, ok!

Happy 2nd Anniversary to us!

Another year to create
precious memories together.
Another year to discover
new things to enjoy about each other.
Another year to build
a life rich in love and laughter.
Another year to strengthen
a marriage that defines "forever."

Romantic Snow Globes by WiddlyTinks.com

Wish me luck!

Sekarang dah pukul 1:25 pagi. Kul 9 pagi ada interview. aiaiai.. What am I doing rite now? Bloghopping, YM dengan Amir, dan baca sedikit sebanyak pasal the company sambil nengok Cyril yang comel. Tak tau nak buat preparation apa..

On the other note, tomorrow we have 3 wedding invitations. 2 kat Serdang. 1 kat Senawang. Plus, I have SAD replacement class in the morning. Hari Isnin depan ada mid-term HRM.. Tak study apa pun lagi.. Hari Selasa pulak nak kena hantar McDonalds's case study. Ada tak cara tak nak bagi I penat hari Sabtu tuh? Supaya lepas balik kenduri boleh study HRM and stay-up late.