If you're like most people, which according to FranklinCovey Products' Annual New Year's Resolutions Survey is about 75% of people, you find yourself breaking your goals within 3 months. Make this year different. We believe you can achieve success - and here are some tips on how you can:
1. Revisit your goals to make sure they are realistic: Set goals that are both reachable and realistic. If your goal isn't one that is attainable, you are sure to become frustrated. Make sure your goal is specific. Also, if you have a big goal, it often helps to break it down into smaller, more manageable mini-goals. For example, if your goal is to move on from a divorce and to start dating again, create stages to reach that goal:
By February: Remove all of the negative thoughts I have about my divorce, ex, or anything else that prohibits me from moving forward.
By April: Begin feeling positive about myself and my future; after all, the warm weather is here and what better time than now to be uplifted?
By May: Begin focusing on myself more and what I need and want. Start making a list of what qualities are important to me when looking for a partner.
By June: Start dating again - I've given myself enough to heal and bounce back!
2. Write down your goals: Writing things down on paper helps focus your energy on the target. Keeping a journal can help you recognize the positive steps you are making and continues encouraging you to move forward.
3. Create a plan: This goes hand-in-hand with writing down your goals. If you write your own personal plan, you'll be more likely to succeed. For example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds in 2010, write a plan that maps out exactly you are going to achieve this:
Goal: Lose 10 pounds
Plan: Run for 30 minutes 3x a week; Eat desserts only 1-2x a week, Avoid fast food restaurants, Walk to work, etc.
4. Ask for help and support from a friend or family member: Depending on your goal, the type of support you need may vary. For example, if you're looking to be more positive, ask friends and family members to remind you (nicely, of course) when you are being negative. If you are looking to lose weight, it could be helpful to find a gym buddy to make sure you stick to a workout routine.
5. Reward small steps toward your goals: As you achieve milestones towards your goal, you should treat yourself to something special. But, choose your reward type carefully to make sure you don't negate your forward progress. For example, if you've lost 5 pounds, don't give yourself a piece of cake as a reward. Instead, treat yourself to something non-food related, like a spa day or massage.
6. Don't try to accomplish it all immediately: Don't expect you'll reach your goal in a few weeks, or even months. You have all year. And most experts agree it takes about 21 days to create a habit and six months for it to actually become a part of your daily life. Each and every step you take toward your goal is a success. Remember that and good luck!
member comments
bday goals
I like the idea of goats - but for some reason, I never find January to be a very motivating month. And everyone's making these goals and changes, and it doesn't feel like a natural time in my life to start preppi...
Or...However you Capture Info
Great advice BounceBack! And – Even if you're more of a Mac person than a Franklin Covey kinda person, this can still work for you...Create a list of "to-do's" or goals in your ical, or as a note th...
this year i will...
Every January i write a list titled 'this year i will _____' and i fill in the blank with the things i want to improve on, start doing or stop doing. The only rule is that they have to be actionable and reasonable. ...
Already Broken two
I try every year to quit smoking and I have already broken my resolution. It makes me so mad at myself and i know it's terrible for me. I need to write a plan like you say.
Great article!
Actually writing your goals down is a great tip. I wrote them down earlier this week and have it taped on my mirror so I see it every morning and every night. By having seeing them twice a day it has helped me keep ...
Revising my goals
I just read this article and y'all are so right! I made all these big goals for 2010, and while I know I can get there, I didn't really have a plan or realistic milestones with everything else I have going on in my ...