Resolve to Embark Upon the Journey to a New You

It is a new year, and a new you may be waiting just inside the pages of your calendar. Perhaps this is the year to spruce up your appearance. Maybe you’d like a new way of wearing your hair, an improved way of applying a little makeup, or a plan for a winning wardrobe.

Include your goal on a lit of resolutions for the New Year: “I will learn what clothing styles I look nice in when…” But watch the way you word those resolutions. Maybe you’ve heard of the “When Syndrome.”

“I’ll get in shape when…” “I’ll teach my son to manicure his nails when…”  I’ll sew that shirt when …”  “I’ll start saving for a new outfit when…” Let’s face it, we all fall victim to the “When Syndrome” periodically.

This year, break the habit of saying “when.”  Here’s how:

– Magnify the important of your task. Allow it to seem even more important that it is, and then glue your mind on the good that will result from its completion.

We hear a lot of talk about the need for a positive self-image to help us through trying times. Achieving an improvement in personal appearance is one of the fastest, most effective ways I know to booth self-esteem.

And when you like yourself, it’s a lot easier to pick yourself up by the seat of your pants when the going gets rough and do whatever has to be done in your day.

Armed with the assurance that your task is worthwhile, think your project through from start to finish. What supplies will you need? How much time will it take?

– Break overwhelmingly large projects into smaller and more manageable steps to be completed one by one. With each small goal achieved, you’ll feel the joy of victory.

One such victory was won by a woman whose time and budget were devoted to her family. She dreamed of a total makeover for herself, but they’re never seemed enough private time or funds to work on such an enormous project.

When broken down, however, the first step was to tweeze her thick, dark eyebrows. With less spent on tweezers, the task was accomplished in the half-hour before the children were up in the morning. The results were so rewarding, she was determined to complete the entire project little by little.

For some people, there just doesn’t seem to be enough energy to get started, particularly at this time of year when many people suffer “energy blowouts.” All you need, however, is enough energy to get started. You’ll be so delighted with the results of your efforts, that energy will be self-generating and will carry you through to completion.

– Look forward to the marvelous sense of accomplishment that awaits you.  Think of how great you’ll feel when you can find your new shirt in your clean closet, or when offspring come to the dinner table with trimmed and dirt-free nails – well, almost dirt-free.

We often allow ourselves to be undone by personal insecurities and the fear of failure. Regardless of whether you believe you can or if you believe you can’t, you’re right! So at this point, concentrate on the little train that could: “… I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…” Believe me, you can!

Commitment to the task is vital. Put it on your calendar so it becomes a real part of your life. Many people are spurred to action when they’ve got a target day into aim for. “Today I am determined to improve my appearance,” is the promise on busy breadwinner makes to herself.

So I ask you, what one small improvement in your looks have you wanted to make for a long time? The New Year holds to make for a more attractive appearance for those who have decided that “when” is now. Have a Happy New Year!