It’s January second, just two days into 2019. You have big goals! It’s a brand new year after all and 2018 wasn’t that great. Maybe you want to lose some weight, start a business, work on your marriage, get out of debt, or maybe you want to be a better person? Whatever it is, good for you! I wish you all the luck in the world.
Did you know that the odds of you achieving your New Year’s resolutions are against you? I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer (sorry Debbie!) but around 80% of people fail to keep their resolutions, while only 8% succeed in reaching their goals.
I know, I know. I’m sorry, but it’s true. There is some good news though, you know that you need to make a change. That’s great! That’s the hardest part sometimes, admitting that you aren’t where you want to be. But, now you have goals. You know what needs to be worked on. A new year can be motivating. It’s the end of one thing and the start of another, it’s exciting! Happy New Year!
But, if you’re serious about achieving your goals (and I know that you are) then there are a few things that you can do to push the odds more in your favor.
#1 Write Them Down
Goals MUST be written down. They MUST be referred to every day. Make sure to assign your why to them. Why do you want to lose weight? Why do you want to get out of debt? Why do you wan’t better relationships? Why is this resolution important to you? Who will it affect?
#2 How Will They Be Measured?
After the why, it’s time to figure out what success looks like. How do you know once your goals are met? How is progress measured? What are the guideposts you’ll be using to ensure that your heading in the right directions? Write this all down as well.
#3 What Steps Will You Take?
Now that you know the what and the why, it’s time to focus on the how. Instead of just saying that you want to lose weight, figure out how you’re going to do it. Make a plan of action. Write it down and include all of your action steps. Don’t leave your future to chance. Design your life the way you want it to play out and start living with intention.
#4 Who Can You Bring Along With You?
A change for the better is too important to go at alone. Who can you bring along with you? Who in your life do you know with similar goals that will help keep you on task? Write their names down and why you want them on your journey. Then, give them what you wrote. All of it. Your who, what, and your why. Then discuss with them:
#5 How Are You Going To Celebrate Your Wins?
The destination shouldn’t be the only victory that you celebrate. Celebrate all of your wins. Want to lose weight? Buy yourself some new clothes once you’ve lost 10 pounds. Looking to start a new business? Celebrate your new website with a cocktail party with friends. Whatever your goal is, break it down into measurable chunks (see step #2) and figure out how each will be celebrated along the way to your destination. Always remember that success doesn’t happen the moment that you arrive, it happens the moment you begin your journey.
Live Your Life With Intention
Living with intention means that you’re in charge. It means that you go through life on your own terms. It means that you know what you want and go towards it. It’s the same with your resolutions. Know what they are. Go through the 5 steps above for each one of them. Write them all down and refer to them every day. Don’t for one moment believe that you aren’t enough. Always remember that each one of us are a work in progress, never stagnate and keep pushing forward. There will be setbacks but don’t quit, they are a part of life. Push through them and succeed. It’s those setbacks that help define your character. Allow them to strengthen your resolve, never allow them to weaken your drive.
