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Off to a Running Start!
During the next few weeks, just prior to January 1, our brains begin to process the “Oh no! A new year is about to arrive! It’s time to make another New Year’s resolution!” And then, the thought we all try to suppress… “… which I’ll give up by the end of January.” Yikes! That’s no way to get started, feeling as if we’re going to fail before we even get going! I’m no different. I undertake this annual process just like everyone else does. And yes, usually by the end of January, I’m as guilty as almost everyone else who gives up on their resolutions, too. Year after year after year… This year…. OK, so this year I’m promising myself it’s going to be different. You know the definition of insanity – it’s repeating the same behavior and expecting different results, so THIS year, I’m going to try NOT to repeat the same behavior. … Starting with timing and its effect on preparation. Part of the problem is timing! We expect to throw the switch on changing out a bad habit, or any non-productive habitual behavior (or lack thereof) – but we just aren’t prepared to make that change. Is it possible that lack of preparation is what has stymied us in the past? Is it possible that better preparation for such big changes will improve our success rates? Here’s what I’m talking about… two personal examples, both putting me out on a limb, but in an effort to lead by example for you I’m making a vow to change – and I’m doing it NOW, before January 1. I am prepared. I have a running start…. <gulp!> The first behavior I am changing: I MUST be more diligent about the Alliance’s presence on Facebook. Personally, I just don’t like Facebook. It’s a huge timesuck and I honestly don’t care about the detritus of people’s lives. Not that I don’t love my family and friends – and APHA members of course! – I do! And when I read about happiness (or sadness), or birthdays, or anniversaries, or whatever the event…