Here we are in the second week of January and most people have already let their New Year’s Resolutions fall by the wayside. According to some statistics about 45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions and only about 8% of us keep them. Nearly 25% of resolutions are broken in the first week of the year. I stopped making New Year’s Resolutions many years ago because just like most Americans, I never fulfilled them.
What about you?
- Did you resolve to spend more quality time with the people you love?
- Did you resolve to eat healthier?
- Did you resolve to exercise regularly?
- Did you resolve to make a budget and stick to it?
- Did you make any resolutions for 2013?
Most of us create New Year’s Resolutions with the best intentions so I do believe that there is value in creating them. Setting goals is essential to welcoming in the new year with clarity and purpose. Last year I blogged about creating a vision board (Let’s Start A New Year’s Day Tradition!) at the beginning of each new year because I think that creating a vision board is more fun than creating a New Year’s Resolution. This year I want to offer another motivating option – creating affirmations. To affirm is to state or assert positively or to maintain as true. An affirmation is a short statement, in the present tense, of the life you want to maintain or how you would like your life to be. I find affirmations to be awesome (quick and easy) reminders of your personal power and great chasers of negative thoughts and labels. There really is power in creating them. Examples:
- I am strong and capable.
- I leverage the opportunities presented to me.
Affirmations can be written and/or spoken. I’m not suggesting you follow a certain routine like repeating your affirmation in the mirror three times a day or posting them on your refrigerator and desk. I AM going to encourage you to take a few minutes to create five positive affirmations beginning with the phrase “I AM” and then decide how to incorporate those positive emotions into your daily life.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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