It happens every year.  The ball drops and along with a new year comes new resolutions.  I vow not to do this or I vow to do more of that.  But yet it often seems that we are creating the same resolutions year after year.  In fact, studies show that the most typical resolutions are time management and weight loss.  So, how can we work on improving our chances of success rather than perpetuating the same resolutions year after year.

1.       Set Goals rather than Resolutions.   What is it that you would like to achieve this year vs.  what you resolve to start or stop doing.  Setting goals that are achievable and attainable are more likely to come with positive results than creating a resolution.

2.       Set benchmarks.  When we set large goals for ourselves it can be a little deterring after a while if we aren’t seeing results.  Creating smaller goals within those big goals can help us keep on track and feel as if we are continually being successful.

3.       Keep yourself accountable.  Set times to check in regarding your goals – i.e. weekly or monthly.  Have a checklist to keep you on track with what you want to get done.  Set calendar reminders to help you remember to do your task – or to send you encouraging reminders that you are doing well.  For example set your calendar to send you a text message on Monday mornings saying “It is going to be a good week.  Take control – you’ve got this!”.  It is amazing what positive encouragement can do.

4.       Let others know your goals.  Tell friends and family what your goals are.  The more people who know the more you are accountable.  It also gives you a built in cheer team.  If you are worried that the people around you are not going to be encouraging I would suggest finding people who are.  This may mean joining a local support team online or at work.

5.       Try and try again.  Don’t let yourself give up if you have a few setbacks.  Setbacks are part of life.  As soon as you realize you have gotten off track turn yourself around and keep trucking.  The point of the goal is to reach it, not to give up.  It doesn’t matter how many times you try - just keep trying.  Also, try new things.  If your goal is to learn a new language and studying flash cards just doesn’t seem to work for you, perhaps books on tape would be better or taking a local course.  Think outside of the box, but keep working toward the goal.  

6.       Redefine failure.  So many times we think as soon as we mess up that we have failed.  That is not true!  The only true failure is giving up.  Even if you have setbacks unless you stop all together you have not failed.  Think about this - if you have 30 days of positive progress and mess up one day, you have not failed, you have successfully completed your goal 30 out of 31 days.  If that was a grade at school it would be a 97% - that’s an A +!!!  So many times we have an all or nothing mentality which equals complete self sabotage.

7.       Remember, reaching your goals won’t happen overnight.  The main purpose of the goal is to not have to make the same resolution next year.  Any forward movement is positive.  Don’t put unrealistic timelines on yourself.  Breaking a habit that took years to create doesn’t happen overnight.  Just keep thinking “I just don’t want to be in the same place next year”.

I would love to hear what your goals are for 2013 and how you plan to reach them.  Have any thoughts on the post? Agree or disagree? - I’d love to hear!  Leave a comment and let’s discuss!
 

(Thank you to http://solution4computer.com/happy-new-year-2013-wallpapers/ for use of image)