First and foremost, I want to wish you a Happy New Year!
If you are like almost everyone else, some time shortly after midnight last night you made your resolutions for 2013. If you are like most people (including me), you will break these resolutions within the next couple of weeks, if not sooner!
Why is that? There are probably all sorts of things that experts could say about psychology and commitment, but I think there’s a very simple problem that’s at least a part of it.
People make resolutions that are unpleasant and kind of self-punishment.
“I’m going to loose weight” (=I’m not going to enjoy eating all those great treats I like and I’m going to make myself work out instead of doing fun things), “I’m going to stick to a budget” (=I’m not going to spend on life’s little pleasures as much as before.) These things aren’t any fun! A week or two after self-punishment and torture, you walk by Starbucks on the way to gym, see that delicious chocolate cake and cave; you ruin your diet, miss your work out and break your budget (the part for “extras” ran out the night before.) Oh, well – better luck next year, right?
Well, I think there’s a better solution.
Make a resolution that you can enjoy. Choose one where you will enjoy the process itself, which has good outcomes but more as a nice bonus rather than the main point.
My suggestion: make your resolution to take steps towards life in Mexico, if you haven’t done so already. Sure, there’s work involved in this, but we’re talking about visiting the beach and searching for your dream home. These are things you can get excited about!
At the same time, living in Mexico offers many benefits; it’s easier to stick to a budget, and it’s easier to stay healthy! It’s also easier to start your dream business, get involved with charity or helping the community, be relaxed and enjoy the little pleasures in life without feeling that you’re doing something wrong. Many of these things will just happen; even those you work hard towards, the lifestyle just makes them a part of the pleasure of life. And, you don’t need to be retired to do it!
If you make your resolution to plan your life in Mexico, many great things can come along with it, without focusing on “making yourself do them.”
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