Tips to Achieve in 2008
Posted on 07. Feb, 2008 by admin in Motivation
Column reprinted from my column in The Evansville Courier and Press
Have a resolution that gets you excited? If you are like most Americans, just the topic of declaring a resolution sends you right to the freezer for some Hagaan Daas. According to a recent AC Neilson study, half of Americans declare a New Year’s Resolution. Those who do, typically focus on their waistlines, wallets or hearts. A new year represents a clean slate, and we vow to lose those extra holiday pounds, finally start saving for retirement, and improve our personal lives. However, by the time this article is published, approximately one-third of those resolutions will already be history. It’s an age old tradition that generates a lot of buzz this time of year, but not much result.
According to a Department of Labor survey, procrastinating 33%, lack of discipline 24%, and no game plan 19%, were the top three excuses that participants gave for failed resolutions.
Still, most of us can’t help but assess the previous year and relish in the thought of life change. Is it possible to achieve goals that matter in the face of such a dim outlook? Should we just accept the extra padding on our backsides and the lack of cushion in our bank accounts? Heck No! Before your resolution hits the dumpster, try some proven goal planning techniques to create a life that you love.
Write Down 3 to 5 goals
Pick three to five areas that you want to improve. Try not to have too many goals going at one time to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Think about why you want to achieve each goal, and what will the achievements give to you? Becoming emotionally connected to the goal will increase the desire to achieve it. For example, “I choose to quit smoking so that I can improve my health, keep up with my grandchildren, and be there to watch them grow up” is much more compelling than, “I must stop smoking.”
Brooke Castillo, Master Weight Loss Coach, and author of If I’m So Smart Why Can’t I Lose Weight, advises clients to pick a goal that gets them excited, and write it down. “If the feeling reads anything other than excitement, we rewrite it. Goals should ignite our passions and inspiration.”
Once the goals are identified, write them down is very clear and specific language. “I’m going to lose some weight” is more easily abandoned than “I’m going to lose 25 pounds by reducing my calorie intake by 500 calories a day, joining a gym and taking Pilates three times a week.”
Turtle Steps
It is scary and overwhelming to think, “I have to save a ton of money for retirement right now!” This kind of stressful thinking leads us into New Year’s Resolution drop out status. Take each goal, and break it down into small, manageable steps. Review your budget, meet with a financial planner, and put a reasonable plan in place. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to a comfortable nest egg. It just takes one little change at a time.
Plan for Obstacles
Goals are challenges. There will be things that come up along the way to test your endurance. “I always make a list of all possible obstacles that could interfere with the attainment of the goal. I take each obstacle and have a plan to overcome or avoid it even before it arises,” Castillo adds. Think about possible obstacles, and strategies to deal with them as they arise.
Rewards
Write down and plan for how to reward yourself both when things are on track and ultimately achieved. Little things can go a long way. Make a list of daily, weekly, and annual ways to enjoy a job well done.
Susan Hyatt is a local Certified Life Coach and owner of Ideal Life Design. She can be reached at www.ideallifedesign.com.
