Do you have a resolution for 2010? Now that we’re half-way through February, how’s your resolution going?

My two 2010 resolutions are “listen” and “allow.”

For me, resolutions are not about a hard, fast, painful commitment to change. Rather, they are like a light that shines on my life to help me find a new way. I’ve noticed a few slip-ups on my resolution, yet I believe it’s perfect. Every slip-up provides an opportunity to refocus on what I want.

I lost my way.
I had some inspiration about my coaching business, and I worked up a little frenzy in my office for a good part of the day. The entire time I heard my body talking. It said, “Go exercise!” (I like to exercise--it makes me feel good.) My knee was fussy. My shoulder wanted a break from the computer. I was getting all sorts of loud messages, yet I kept working. So much for listening!

Messing up is perfect.
And even though I didn’t listen, it’s absolutely perfect. Since I have this resolution, I noticed how I was not living the way I want to. Without the resolution, it would have been another day spent working up a storm, minus the awareness. On day three into the new year, I am more aware than before on how listen more in my life.

Slip-ups are okay.
If you have a resolution or a commitment for 2010, stick with it, even if you slip-up. If you plan to lose weight and notice you gain a pound, don’t sweat it! If you set the intention to work less and play more, yet spend a Saturday at the office, no big deal! Slipping up may happen, but it’s no big deal. Notice when you do and why.

Learn from the slip-ups.
When you do slip-up, learn from it and course correct.

For me, two things happened. First, I was excited about my idea, and I can get one-track-minded when that happens. Second, I was coming from a place of “there’s only so much time,” a theme that is common in my life.

What will I do differently next time? I’m not sure, so I will spend some time journaling to figure it out. (This is an old pattern, so a new way is going to take some mental digging!)

Stay with your intention.
Setting an intention to make a change does not mean change will be easy (though sometimes it can be). Give yourself credit for setting a goal, watching yourself along the way, and course correcting when you find yourself off track.

Author's Bio: 

Jenny Shih is a certified life coach trained by Martha Beck and Byron Katie. She works with individuals who dream of changing something in their lives, and Jenny helps them make it happen.

Jenny’s career began in the corporate world, first working as an engineer and then as a manager, where she found satisfaction in helping others grow and find happiness in their own unique ways.

You can find Jenny online at www.RisingSunCoaching.com.