It’s the New year! We have grand plans and ambitions for all that we will do in the new year… and then “it” happens.  Something pops up that distracts us from goal ahead. 

My dad has told me numerous times, “Will it matter in 5 years?”  Today, that resonates with me but in a different aspect.  Typically, he says that to me when I’m all bent out of shape about something that really doesn’t matter. When I’m flipping out and need pulled back to planet earth.

IF… we thought this simple phrase, “WILL IT MATTER IN 5 YEARS?” every time we made a choice we asked… How could that impact our goals and lives in the future.?

It is common, when we begin working on a new habit or goal, that at days 3, 7, 14, 21, something (anything) will happen to deter us from or planned destination. 

Examples of the Saboteur:

• It rains and you’ve faithfully been out to run every day up to today.  Your choices: give up and do nothing OR do a 15-30 minute intensive indoor workout in the living room OR go roller-skating.
• You’ve been religiously doing your morning smoothee every day for a week and your blender breaks…  Your choices: give up and eat a donut OR get out a sports drink bottle and shake that mix vigorously.
• You’re building your business and have been making calls to your clients and prospects daily and you drop your phone.  Your choices: Give up and do nothing OR pick up the home phone, borrow your spouses phone, message people on Facebook individually, or even get it fixed immediately so you can continue your work.
• You’ve done an excellent job at cutting out the carbs for a whole week and your co-worker brings in a giant chocolate cake to share with you.  Your Choices: Give up and eat a piece OR thank the co-worker and grab a handful of berries instead, or even try just one bite, exclaim how amazing it is, then discretely chuck it in the trash can.

By acknowledging that stuff happens and being prepared, we can overcome those obstacles on days 3-7-14-21 and stay on track to achieve those goals!

So, when the saboteur shows up and you are tempted to give in… remember… “How will this effect me in 5 years, if I don’t stick to my goals and desires today?”

 

What are some of your Plan B activities?