In this weeks guest post performance coach Anna-Marie Watson shares some of her knowledge and expertise:
Resolution Boycott
Over three weeks ago nearly two thirds of the British population will have diligently made well-intended New Year Resolutions in a resolve to get fitter (36% of women and 30% of men), eat more healthily (36% of women and 26% of men) or take more care of their appearance (15% for both women and men). Yet only 31 days later by the end of January 32% will have broken these resolutions (YouGov, 2015). So this year I simply decided to continue with my usual routine that balances work, fitness, healthy eating, family relationships and friendships into everyday life.
The New Year Resolution ritual harks back over 4,000 years ago to ancient Mesopotamia when the Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year (Holloway, 2014). The concept of self-improvement continued through the Roman period and Medieval era with religious overtones and is now firmly embedded in 21st Century Western society life. This entrenched “New Year, New You” social and cultural construct is absurdly timed in the post-Christmas festive lull and coldest winter month of January, not potentially the most conducive to achieve transformational long-standing results.
Resolutions are simply a motivational mechanism to reinvent oneself yet the majority of people aren’t ready to invest mentally or biologically in transformational change. Williams (2014) describes resolutions as a form of “cultural procrastination” as we set unrealistic goals and expectations that are out of alignment with our internal perception. In addition, our human biological process to alter habitual behaviour and change thoughts uses a substantial amount of mental energy to physically rewire neural pathways. Neuro-scientific research has proved through MRI scans that rather ironically the default habitual thought of “not doing” something merely strengthens the neural pathway rather than create new ones. So what’s the alternative?
If there’s an inner urge to join the list-making masses opt to celebrate your work and life achievements from 2015 instead. Then moving forwards on a monthly basis routinely identify five moments to appreciate yourself, your business, your professional and personal development, your relationships and your successes (check out my Facebook page Reach for More. or Twitter @rfmcoaching for my “Monthly Memories”).
This conscious “attitude of gratitude” process based on positive psychology becomes engrained in our neural pathways. Rational and positive thinking therefore becomes habitual as “conscious appreciation establishes appreciation as an ongoing and stable cognitive habit” (Taylor, 2014). This mindset of gratitude wields immense power over our mood, wellbeing, energy levels, perspective, communication and relationships. In turn, these positive effects ripple across our entire lives with reduced blood pressure, lowers cortisol, better sleep, fewer physical symptoms…the list continues. Boycott the resolution, embrace gratitude and give yourself permission to celebrate success.
Take a moment to consider your top 5 memories from 2015.
Once you’ve decided it would be great to share your thoughts within our Coaching Confidence community.
References
Holloway, A. (2014). Ancient History of New Year’s Resolutions. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-news-general/ancient-history-new-year-s-resolutions-001185 Accessed 18 December 15.
Taylor, S. (2014). The Power of Appreciation. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/out-the-darkness/201407/the-power-appreciation Accessed 21 December 15.
Williams, R. (2014). Why People can’t keep their New Year’s Resolutions. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201412/why-people-cant-keep-their-new-years-resolutions Accessed 21 December 15.
YouGov (2015). 63% of Brits are planning to make New Year Resolutions. [ONLINE] Available at: https://yougov.co.uk/news/2015/01/16/63-brits-are-planning-make-new-year-resolutions/ Accessed 21 December 15.
About Anna-Marie Watson
Anna-Marie is a performance coach who draws from NLP, sports psychology, neuroscience, positive psychology and mindfulness theory to craft industrious and dynamic coaching partnerships with clients who yearn for more and desire balance within their life. She integrates Analytic-Network (http://www.analyticnetwork.com) and mBraining (http://www.mbraining.com) methodologies to unlock and unleash transformational change. Anna-Marie’s specialty is “walking & talking” where the Great Outdoors inspires facilitates deep level insights, encourages different perspectives and ultimately optimises performance.
Anna-Marie has been at the forefront of leadership and personal development for over 15 years working with high performing individuals and teams across three continents. Anna-Marie’s core values of growth, balance and energy are reflected in her business Reach for More. where improving yourself is an all round experience.
For more information on Anna-Marie’s performance coaching services, visit www.rfmcoaching.com
Connect with Anna-Marie on Social Media
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RFMCoaching
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RFMCoaching/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/awatson4
Google+: www.google.com/+AnnaMarieWatson
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rfmcoaching/
Take a moment to consider your top 5 memories from 2015. 