We all know that this is the time of year where a lot of people make resolutions. According to one survey, some of this year's resolutions are losing weight, saving money and better time management. Another survey done by Franklin Covey, a global leader in effectiveness training and productivity tools, found that the top three New Year's resolutions for this year are to save money or get out of debt; lose weight; and develop a healthy habit such as exercise or healthy eating. Those top three resolutions were followed by getting organized and developing a new skill or talent.
We all may not choose the same goals for the year, but one thing that most people do have in common is the challenge of sticking to those goals. Of those surveyed by Franklin Covey, 35 percent of the respondents break their resolutions by the end of January each year either because there are too many other things to do or because they are not committed to the resolutions they make. Only 23 percent of those surveyed don't ever break them.
So what's the secret? How do you stick to your resolutions? First, look at your resolutions as goals. Be realistic. Don't get caught up in the buzz of the new year and create unachievable goals. Make your resolutions after the holiday buzz is over and the dust has settled. As you set a goal, it's important to look at why you are choosing the goals that you do. Be honest with yourself and know your intent. The why is connected to the bigger picture and your personal values. Setting goals that are aligned with your values sets you up for success.
Secondly, be specific and set deadlines. Don't be vague. Write out the details for each of your goals. If your goal is to get out of debt, list your debts and create a detailed plan for paying them off along with “by when” dates. If you want to lose weight, detail the number of pounds and set milestones that show the number of pounds you will lose by each. Remember that the difference between a dream and a goal is that one of them has a date.
Next, break your goals into smaller pieces or tasks and put them on your task list or in your calendar to complete. Be sure to share your goals with others and enroll them in holding you accountable for sticking to your plans. Doing so might even motivate them to do the same.
Finally, visibly track your progress and keep it somewhere that you will see it on a regular basis. Celebrate your accomplishments! Don't wait until you are at the finish line. When you reach a milestone, reward yourself. This helps keep you motivated. Most importantly, don't beat yourself up if you happen to miss a beat. Acknowledge what you did or didn't do and let it go; let yourself off the hook. Recommit to what you've set out to do, continue to develop your will power and keep moving forward.
With the hectic schedules that everyone has, you might say that there is not much time left to accomplish the things that you want to or that making New Year's resolutions just adds tasks to an already overflowing list of things to do. I urge you to consider that this time of year is the one time of year that we are prompted to reflect on our past year and allow our desires to guide us in deciding what changes we want to make for the upcoming year. Doing so has one live with intention and focus.
©2008 Sheila Hawkins
About the Author:
Sheila Hawkins is President and CEO of Third Eye Group based in Detroit, Michigan. The company provides customized professional organizing services. Services are tailored to needs and personality of the client, transforming environments and behaviors to create order in their lives. For additional information about the company and its services, visit
www.thirdeyegroup.org
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459
Date Published :
Mar 22 2008