1. Be Realistic. A new goal should be challenging, but not impossible. If you've never run a mile, you probably aren't going to run a marathon this year. Start small. Make a goal to run your first 5K or to join a casual running team. If you are just starting a business, you probably aren't going to make a million dollars in profit in the first year. Be reasonable and set goals that you can see yourself achieving.
2. Be Specific. The most common resolutions: lose weight, save money, be happy. The problem is that they aren't measurable. How much weight? How much money? What is your definition of happy? Be as specific as possible. Examples: Lose 20 lbs. Save $5,000. Have 1 date night a month. Enjoy 1 family night a week.
3. Explore your Motivation. Its not enough to set a goal. You need to know in detail WHY you want to do it. At some point, you are going to want to give up. When you have your motivation clearly defined, it will help you stick to your goals. Want to lose 20 lbs? Why? Don't be vague, "I want to feel/look better" Be as specific as possible. "I want to walk into my high school reunion with confidence."; "I want to wear my favorite pair of jeans on my vacation in May."; "I want to get off my blood pressure medication that costs $X and makes me feel like ______. "; "I want to look great in the dress for my cousin's wedding in July."
4. Make a Plan. What's the old saying? "A goal without a plan is just a wish." If your goal is to save $5,000, then you will need to figure out how its going to happen. Are you going to make more money? Start a side business? Cut your Starbucks habit? How much do you need to save a month? Every week?
5. Get Help. Don't try to do it all on your own. Get the help of an expert. If you are trying to get stronger, talk to a fitness trainer or join a private challenge group or join a fitness class. If you want to get off your diabetes medication, talk to a nutritionist. If you want to get control of your finances, find a group doing a Dave Ramsey program. Find someone who has done what you want to do and ask for help and accountability.
I hope these help! Make 2015 a wonderful, healthy and happy year and set yourself up for success. If you would like personal help setting your goals and mapping out a plan, feel free to contact me directly.
Sweat and Smile!
2. Be Specific. The most common resolutions: lose weight, save money, be happy. The problem is that they aren't measurable. How much weight? How much money? What is your definition of happy? Be as specific as possible. Examples: Lose 20 lbs. Save $5,000. Have 1 date night a month. Enjoy 1 family night a week.
3. Explore your Motivation. Its not enough to set a goal. You need to know in detail WHY you want to do it. At some point, you are going to want to give up. When you have your motivation clearly defined, it will help you stick to your goals. Want to lose 20 lbs? Why? Don't be vague, "I want to feel/look better" Be as specific as possible. "I want to walk into my high school reunion with confidence."; "I want to wear my favorite pair of jeans on my vacation in May."; "I want to get off my blood pressure medication that costs $X and makes me feel like ______. "; "I want to look great in the dress for my cousin's wedding in July."
4. Make a Plan. What's the old saying? "A goal without a plan is just a wish." If your goal is to save $5,000, then you will need to figure out how its going to happen. Are you going to make more money? Start a side business? Cut your Starbucks habit? How much do you need to save a month? Every week?
5. Get Help. Don't try to do it all on your own. Get the help of an expert. If you are trying to get stronger, talk to a fitness trainer or join a private challenge group or join a fitness class. If you want to get off your diabetes medication, talk to a nutritionist. If you want to get control of your finances, find a group doing a Dave Ramsey program. Find someone who has done what you want to do and ask for help and accountability.
I hope these help! Make 2015 a wonderful, healthy and happy year and set yourself up for success. If you would like personal help setting your goals and mapping out a plan, feel free to contact me directly.
Sweat and Smile!
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