One Step You Absolutely Must Take to Reach Your Goals

It's nearing the end of January. How are you doing with your goals and resolutions?

As I was listening to the news this morning, I heard a segments about New Year's resolutions and how few people keep them.

Studies have found less than 10% of people see their new year's resolutions through.

The reporter interviewed a local physician who talked about one of the biggest obstacles to keeping new year's resolutions...not managing stress well.

Our brains crave certainty. So, when you're stressed, your brain is more likely to seek a habitual routine than follow that new routine you've put in place to reach your goal.

What does this mean for you and your goals?

Before you focus on your goals, put habits in place to decrease your stress.

One of the best things you can do is take some quiet time in the morning to put things in perspective and help you focus on what you need to do that day.

You may choose to meditate or pray, do yoga, or listen to soothing music. Beyond that, what you do can be anything that brings you peace and helps you focus on what's most important.

Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Attend a church service, Bible study or meditation group

2. Have a cup of coffee and listen to your favorite Podcast

3. Go to the park at lunch

4. Admit that you're stressed and ask for support

5. Play with your kids (or borrow some if you don't have any yourself!)

6. Take a class

7. Do something creative -- draw, paint, crafts

8. Delegate things that take too much time (at home or work)

9. Blow bubbles

10. Take a day off work

11. Sing at the top of your lungs

12. Read uplifting stories, poems, scripture, etc.

13. Go swimming

14. Join a group that focuses on what you care about

15. Enjoy a long hug with someone you love

16. Watch a sunrise or sunset

17. Call a friend who makes you laugh

18. Go to the zoo

19. Take a nap

20. Get a massage

21. Eat your favorite food

22. Take your dog to the dog park

23. Light a candle (lavender and vanilla are particularly relaxing)

24. Keep a gratitude journal

Make a list of things you can do to reduce your stress & select one to do each week!