The beginning of a new year is always revitalizing and can really get you moving.  Sometimes keeping the motivation up is the problem when it comes to tackling a huge task.  Just keep focused on how good you will feel once that insurmountable task is completed and crossed off of your list! If you need some encouragement on getting organized in the year ahead, look no further! Read on and get going. Best of luck!

SET GOALS WITH DEADLINES. The first step in getting organized is goal setting. Do you want to organize your home? Your office? Your exercise program? Your family? Your time? Jot down exactly what you want to do and designate a deadline for accomplishing that goal. The deadline should be as specific as possible, like March 6, 2010.

MAKE MINI-GOALS. Break your goals down into small, bite-sized pieces. For instance, instead of a large goal, such as organizing your entire house, choose one room at a time. Or, instead of organizing all of your business files, start with one drawer. Smaller pieces are easier to accomplish.

DESIGNATE REWARDS. Always designate an enticing reward for each goal you accomplish. The reward acts as your motivator and helps you achieve your objectives. (Ohhh–we can’t think of a better reward than being pampered at Belladerm!)

USE A CHEERING SECTION. Inform your family and/or friends of your goals. Ask them for their support. Ask them to ask you about your accomplishments from time to time, so you stay on track.

LAUGH AT MINOR SETBACKS. Don’t expect everything to run perfectly smooth. As with any improvement you’re trying to make, there are bound to be bumps in the road. Don’t get discouraged. Ask questions. If it looks like you’re not going to accomplish your goal by your deadline, simply reschedule. It’s better to get back on track than to give up.

KEEP A ‘CAN DO’ ATTITUDE. Attitude is everything. If you think you’re going to fail, you will. If you think you’re going to succeed, you will. Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker, always says that to succeed, you must get rid of that ‘stinkin’ thinkin’ and set your mind to achieving your goals.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU. Sometimes the motivation you need comes from focusing inwardly and recreating your look or doing something special for yourself.  Belladerm’s New Year, New You promotions were designed with you in mind and we’d love to help you achieve the momentum you’re looking for in the year ahead! When you look good, you feel good – and you accomplish more! We’ll see you soon!

Many of us kicked off 2009 with New Year’s resolutions.  As we near the end of January, it is a great time to assess how we are sticking to our goals! Don’t get discouraged if you’ve fallen off the wagon already! Pick yourself back up and get back on.  Here are some tips to help:

 Resolution Tip 1: Set resolutions that are realistic and based on your personal history.  Learn from your failures.  If you want to exercise five days a week and you haven’t done it in the past, vow to work out twice a week.

 Resolution Tip 2: Set interim goals.  You can’t lose 100 pounds or get a PhD overnight.  Lose two to three pounds a week, and work toward your doctorate a few credits at a time.

 Resolution Tip 3: Track your progress.  Keep a ledger of some sort–whether it is on your computer, PDA or just a note book you have lying around.  Short term goals are easier to attain. (see our list of helpful websites below!)

 Resolution Tip 4: Use positive language.  The way you talk to yourself really affects your ability to attain your goals.  Try to develop a “can-do” attitude.

 Resolution Tip 5: Get support.  Reach out to your family, friends or a group of people who share the same goal and who can encourage you if your resolve weakens.  Don’t underestimate accountability!

 Resolution Tip 6: Celebrate your “successes” and rebound from your “failures.” Take credit for success when you achieve a resolution.  If you fail don’t blame yourself, just see how you can do better the next time.

 If you’d like a little support and help tracking your goals, I’ve included some great websites that provide helpful tools.  Check them out and let us know if any of work for you! They are free!

 FitDay—helps you lose weight by keeping an exercise log and food diary

Traineo—another one for weight loss and fitness goals

Daily Plate—compare to FitDay—keep a fitness journal and more

Wesabe—organize your finances and save money

Mint—finance tracking

Ben Franklin Virtue Chart—daily habits

Backpack—get organized

Bellygraph—public progress tracker

Don’t Break the Chain—Jerry Seinfeld’s way to reach success

Joe’s Goals—daily goal tracking—people really love this one

We’d love to hear about how your resolutions are working out! What helps you stick to your goals? What is the hardest part about keeping your resolution? 

Wishing you success,

Robin

Merry Christmas from Belladerm!  This time of year we reflect on how blessed we are and our hearts and minds turn to those less fortunate.  Opportunities abound to reach out and help others at Christmas time.  Maybe it means inviting someone to share in your Christmas celebration or just volunteering your time at a soup kitchen.  There are so many little ways to make a big difference.  One of the easiest ways to give is by taking some/all of the money you would have spent on gifts for each other and donating it to your favorite charity or a needy family.  It is an especially meaningful idea for showing the little ones that it is more important to give than receive! For me, a special little girl’s (Taylor Strand) horrible accident opened my heart to giving this year.  Learn about her here.
Did you know? Minneapolis and St. Paul have the highest percentage of adults who give time to volunteer work in the nation: almost 40% of us did some volunteer work last year! Way to go, Minneapolis/St. Paul! Keep up the good work! Are you planning on volunteering or doing something special to give to others this holiday season? We’d love to hear your ideas and plans! Please share them with us.  A couple of wonderful places to learn more about volunteer opportunities are: Hands On Twin Cities and VolunteerMatch.
Feeling frazzled?
Don’t forget to de-stress this holiday season by stopping in to pamper yourself at Belladerm! While you’re here, consider getting gift certificates for the people you love so they can get pampered, too–and it makes shopping easier for you!
Wishing you happy and healthy Christmas,
Robin