ABOUT THOSE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS . . .

The end of 2015 is here. Ack! If you’re anything like us, you’re wondering just where in the world it went – and how did it do it so fast? Even so, these last few days before we turn the calendar on a new year always cause us to look back over the past 12 months – and wonder what the next 12 have in store for us.

It’s also pretty natural right about now to start thinking of that list of New Year’s resolutions you want to put in motion. In theory, it sounds like a good idea, right? But in reality (oh come on, you can admit it) – most of them usually last about as long as it takes to put the ink on the paper (or at least hit “save” on that Word document). In fact, 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail, according to a 2007 survey of over 3,000 people. Ouch.

Almost before you know it, you find yourself busy trying to remember to make it “/16” instead of “/15” when you type the date. Next, you find yourself several days into month and the magic of that “January 1” milestone becomes a distant memory. And ultimately – life just keeps marching on day after day – just like always, oblivious to all your wonderful intentions.

Happens every year, doesn’t it?

But that’s not to say you shouldn’t make an effort. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” We just happen to think some ways to achieve that progress are more effective than others.

Because really, it’s not so much about “January 1” being the start of a miraculous, new lifestyle – as much as it is to recognize this: That if something needs changing or improvement, it needs it to happen “now” – not wait for a date on the calendar to appear.

Just to give you an idea of what we mean, we’d like to share three of the “resolutions” that we put into practice every year (and every day, for that matter). And while we’re by no means claiming a perfect record, we do our best. And sometimes, we even make progress . . . a single step and a single day at a time.

1) Run toward something, not away from something.

There is a significant difference between the two. When you spend your life running from dissatisfaction, it will follow you everywhere. Running from discomfort is not a life strategy. We need to make certain that we’re making our choices based upon what we’re moving toward rather than what we’re moving away from.

2) See yourself as if you were already there.

State your goal, and make every decision with that mindset. (And here’s a little hint: If you can’t clearly envision yourself doing your goal, don’t even bother. Your “resolve” isn’t going to get you there…..only your mindset and subsequent actions will.)

3) Focus on “diligence” not “discipline.”

You’ve heard the saying that “anything can become a habit after 21 days”? Ummm, not so much. Pretty much anybody can have the discipline to do something for 21 days. But few people will have the diligence to continue doing it for the rest of the year. With diligence, you’ll do the right thing a little bit every day, and it will add up to something big down the road. (Here’s your pithy saying of the day: “Diligence rules; discipline drools.”)

Our suggestion? Just start living every day the way you know will make you a happier, more successful person. And by the way, it’s okay to cheat on your New Year’s Resolution and start it a few days early. That is, if you actually want to change. But whatever your goals for the coming new year, we hope you make it one to remember!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!