Resolutions don't work; period. Statistics show that only 12% of the people who set resolutions will keep them past the first month. Why is this figure so pathetic? - Goals are not specific enough.
- Don't have the material, emotional or spiritual resources needed to see the goals to a successful conclusion.
- Goals lack rational, sustainable motivators.
- Resolutions are simply too big.
- Small set-backs become major failures.
Big ideas are great and emotion can be a fantastic motivator, but to finish the job you need a rational inventory of your current resources and a manageable series of goals that lead to your greater success.
This year replace your resolutions with a New Year REVOLUTIONtm. Completely change the way you think about goals for the next year.
First step: Take an inventory!
Whatever you're going to do in the coming year is dependent upon the resources you have at hand right here and right now. Of course, a valid goal can be to expand those resources, but you've got to start somewhere and you can't simply invent resources. You're going to need material, emotional and spiritual resources to activate and sustain your plans for the next year. What do you have in all three areas right now?
The best technique for taking an accurate inventory of material, emotional and spiritual resources is to take some time for gratitude. This doesn't need to be formal; simply take some time and think about everything you have right now. Include your friends, family and business connections; this support system is part of your emotional resources. Include your skills, talents and abilities. Include your positive traits and values like courage, work-ethic and character; these are your spiritual resources.
Next step: Big Ideas!
Take a little more time and just blast out some of the things you'd like to do if you knew this was your last year on earth! Don't worry about whether or not they're realistic yet, just organize your big ideas.
Now: Let's get real!
Finally, take a good look at your list of big ideas and decide which goals really motivate you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Then take these goals and decide which one best matches your current material, emotional and physical resources. Break that goal into a series of two or three small steps you know you can accomplish given your current resources and motivation. Now you have a set of realistic, attainable goals to start your New Year.
The best thing about your New Year REVOLUTION as opposed to resolutions is that you can start this process anytime, and revisit these steps at any time to adjust and accomplish your goals.
CAUTION: Too many people fail to achieve their goals because they allow minor set-backs to become major defeats. You may as well accept the fact that you'll face challenges and maybe even failures as you try to succeed; that's part of the deal. Rather than accepting failure, simply repeat this process, re-assess your goals, adjust and move on. You may have set a goal to lose 20 pounds before spring; losing 5 is a victory, not a defeat. Adjust your goal, your timeframe and keep going.
Best thoughts for success & happiness in the New Year!
Jim Bouchard is America's Black Belt Powervator; speaker, coach & author of Dynamic Components of Personal POWER. Jim returns to Maine for a special appearance at Borders in the Shaw's Plaza, Brunswick for New Year POWER: Creating Your New Year REVOLUTION! This event is Saturday, December 13th at 4 pm; free and open to the public courtesy of Borders and Northern Chi Martial Arts Center!
Click here for more information on this and other coming events!
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