New Routine or Resolution?

I am getting closer to defining my three words for this year. I know that one word will be “Routines”. In fact this term inspired me to start writing in my personal blog. I talk about 2013 – new routines here.

I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. While I fully support the idea of reflection and goal setting, I have a tainted view of the concept due to my own lack of success. From what I can tell, the failure rate is pretty high. One who works out at a gym will know exactly what I am talking about.

I am writing here to explore the possibilities of developing some new routines. I want to make changes–lasting changes–but how do I accomplish this?

Last week I was out of town most of the week; as a result, no updates. My first thought is: “Here we go again. This is the same old behavior, I’ll never change, what was I thinking?”

This is an emotional response–it’s the way I have allowed my mind to work. Then I think — I can allow my past to describe me; however, it doesn’t have to define me. (Thanks Rob Bell).

Instead of negative thoughts, I can choose to ask some curious questions. Questions like:

• What can I learn from this?
• Why did I choose to post nothing?

Just asking questions changes my attitude. I’ll soon be writing a post to share what I am learning about scheduling chat topics. I shared about new routines here.

In answer to some of the questions above, I have learned that I need to create some draft posts, like Chris Brogan suggested. It’s more difficult working from a blank screen when time is precious and the setting is completely different.

Plan ahead – If I am going to be traveling, anticipate that and have something prepared before I leave or something I can edit.

“Winging it” isn’t a strategy, at least not an effective one.

I talk a lot about learning from “failure.” Time to practice what I preach.

I may have failed this week, but I don’t have to be defeated. Because, choosing to be defeated is a choice (and an attitude that won’t get me where I want to go). So I still choose to make developing healthy routines a priority. It’s not too late, I can still commit to that.