3 thoughts for New Year's resolution-makers

Maybe you’ve already started your New Year’s resolution(s), or maybe -- like many people -- you will begin yours on Monday, January 6th. (Why is it that most of us dread Mondays, yet every year so many of us pick the first Monday of the New Year to start our resolutions?!?!) Whether you’ve just started or you’re getting ready for Monday, here are three thoughts about making sure you keep those new resolutions.

1. Say it out loud…to someone who cares: If a resolution is made in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it count? Many people make resolutions in the quietness of their own minds or on the pages of journals where no other eyes are permitted to wander. While these resolutions may involve good intentions, the act of privacy immediately lowers the likelihood that the resolution will be completed. Research makes it abundantly clear that teamwork makes resolutions far more successful. So it’s not just telling someone, but telling someone that cares about you, your goals and your future.
2. Establish habits that lead to success: Don’t try to make changes in one massive swoop. Big changes happen through the formation of daily habits and patterns. The fastest way to make long-term change that sticks is to develop habits and patterns that last. In one sense, it’s easy and very rewarding to create rapid changes that don’t stick. For example, have you ever (or have you ever known anybody who has) gone on a diet and lost a lot of weight, really fast? The diet is initially very rewarding, but since diets are by nature temporary, the long-term gains are often lost once the diet is broken or the individual returns to “normal life”. In fact, over the years, studies have shown that long-term, on-again-off-again dieting results in weight gain despite the initial release of weight! However, if you make a lifestyle change (instead of just “dieting”) through habits and patterns, the likelihood of success rises dramatically. Big changes flows out of daily habits.
3. Don’t be afraid to reevaluate: Because most of our resolutions are about identifying areas in our lives that need some adjustment, our desire is to make significant change that sticks. In order to do that, we must be willing to reevaluate the direction and scope of our resolutions throughout the year. In the past, I know I’ve made resolutions that were way too easy and simple; and other goals were set way too high. For example, if I said I wanted to lose 100 pounds in the month of January, I may find i’m down 20 by January 20th, and a goal reset is very appropriate. It’s not that 100 pounds was necessarily unrealistic (I could probably drop 25-30…100 is a bit steep!!), it’s just that the time parameters weren’t a great fit. So what? Adjust your resolutions to create success! (And no, this isn’t an excuse to under-challenge yourself, it’s just a reminder that evaluation and adjustment is essential to success!).

Happy New Year to you! May 2014 bring you closer to God as you challenge yourself to live the Overboard Life.

Go ahead and take the plunge, 2014 will be better if you live it on the water!

My 2013 goals

As Traci and I get going on our 100 Day Challenge to kick off 2013, my goals have finally taken shape. Here’s an overview of what I’m working on, especially in the next 100 days. I would love your thoughts, ideas that have worked for you, or even to hear your goals for this year, too. So leave your thoughts in the comments.  

Here are my goals, broken down into three categories (writing, health, spiritual). Under each goal are a couple of tangible ways the goal will be measured, followed by a few practical steps.

1. I will make lifestyle changes that will produce more energy, release more weight, and be more balanced. 
   • I will have better energy, with fewer afternoon lulls
   • I will begin releasing weight
     • Drink 60+oz of water each day
     • Take my vitamins twice a day
     • No fast food for the 100 Day Challenge
     • Exercise 4 times a week (even when traveling)
     • Intentional down time (no phones/gadgets, rest, reading etc…) each week
2. I will write my next book, Project Peter, by March 15th.
   • I will have an outline completed by January 20th
   • I will have a book to hand to my editor by March 15th
     • Spend 7 hours a week, writing
     • Limit late night Netflix viewing, increase writing time!
     • Pray each time, before I write
3. I will complete the 4:8 Principle, 40 day devotional.
   • I will have a journal with 40 days of entries
   • I will write a devotional thought based on each day
     • Develop an early morning routine
     • Start with my book and Bible, not my phone and email
     • Coordinate morning schedule with Traci

Ok, there you have it. What are your thoughts? I’m open to your insights as I work through these projects in the first 100 days of 2013. What are you working on? What advice do you have for me? Let’s get this year started off with a bang!

Happy New Year, and remember -- go ahead and take the plunge, life is always better on the water!

2013...Are you in?

What are your goals and dreams for 2013? Have you started to write them out and think through how you will achieve them? One of the realities of life-changing decisions is this: the more help you employ in embracing your dream or goal, the more likely you are to achieve them.

We have a good friend who just recently was released from jail. This wasn’t her first trip to prison, however, this time out has already been significantly different. Why? Because on this go around, she is asking for help, and accepting it when it comes. Traci and I have had multiple conversations with her and she will be the first to tell you, that in previous years, her attitude was that she was all she needed for success. Today though, she recognizes that God’s help often comes in the form of others.

This is such a key principle for Overboard Living -- we need others to help us on the journey. I’m so thankful for the scores of people who have invested in my life and my dreams, people who have known how important teamwork and accountability are in the pursuit of their own dreams. Here is a small glimpse of those people:

Traci, my wife, who stands by me in every trial, joy, success and experiment.

Danny, my dear friend who dreams like no other, asks hard questions, and holds my feet to the fire.

Andy, one of my best friends, who has never shied away from asking questions that defy convention.

Brenda, the only editor I knew early-on, who was silly enough to believe in my book and Overboard Ministries.

Kevin, one of the most level-headed, clear-thinking friends that I have.

PK, a mentor and teacher who, 20-plus-years later is still investing in my life.

Phil, my brother, who relentlessly pushes me to step into the way God has designed me.

I could go on and on, and I hope you don’t feel shorted if you’re not on this list. The point isn’t to name all the people who have invested in my life -- but rather to illustrate how we all need others as we pursue our God-given paths!

As you look to 2013, who is enrolled in your future? Traci and I really want to share in what God is doing in your life, and we believe the 100 Day Challenge could be a powerful tool in your arsenal. We have both benefited from this proven system, and we want you to join us in 2013 as we pursue another year of dream chasing using the video/online program as a guide.

Join our team today. Click this link and get more information from founder, Gary Ryan Blair. The information and follow-up videos are worthwhile (even if you end up not using his program!), and I believe will explain the value behind the 100 Day Challenge. Traci and I would love to be on your team in 2013, so check out the link to see if this system will work for you!

Will you take the plunge in 2013? Life is always better on the water!

P.S. You can save $50 by signing up through our link! Sign up today!