Its that time of year again. The time when everyone is determined (for the span of a New Year's Eve party) to have a "New Me for the New Year". There's definitely two distinct type of people- the optimists who make grand plans and tell the world about their new leaf and the cynics who scoff at them. If I had a dollar for every time I've heard, "I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions. They are just a waste of time." I could pay for my expensive house rebuild.
Honestly, I've been in both categories. I've been bitter and cynical and refused to make plans and even on the "optimist" side, I've been depressed and desperate thinking, "This year HAS to be different!" Now, I encourage everyone to embrace a third group. The group of PLANNERS that use this fresh start of a New Year to take serious stock of their goals and put enough effort into them to create a blueprint for their life. This high performing, elite set of people know that taking a few hours at the beginning of the year to outline the WHY and the HOW of their intentions makes the difference between a nebulous "Resolution" and a concrete PURPOSE.
Honestly, I've been in both categories. I've been bitter and cynical and refused to make plans and even on the "optimist" side, I've been depressed and desperate thinking, "This year HAS to be different!" Now, I encourage everyone to embrace a third group. The group of PLANNERS that use this fresh start of a New Year to take serious stock of their goals and put enough effort into them to create a blueprint for their life. This high performing, elite set of people know that taking a few hours at the beginning of the year to outline the WHY and the HOW of their intentions makes the difference between a nebulous "Resolution" and a concrete PURPOSE.
What's the difference between a "Resolution" and a "Goal"?
It must have a NUMBER.
I want to lose weight.
I'm going to spend less.
I want to be a better parent.
I'm going to exercise more.
I'll be more organized.
I'm going to eat better.
I'm going to spend less.
I want to be a better parent.
I'm going to exercise more.
I'll be more organized.
I'm going to eat better.
Do these sound familiar? These are some of the most common Resolutions and the ones that fall flat a few weeks into the New Year. Why? Because they have no number attached to them. They are not specific. How will you ever know if you achieved them? If you lose 1 pound, is it a success? Spend $1 less? 1 extra workout? If you are SERIOUS about changing a behavior, it needs to include an exact number. Here are improved examples:
I want to lose weight. = I will lose 20 pounds.
I'm going to spend less. = I will budget to spend $200 less a month.
I want to be a better parent. = I will spend 30 minutes a day giving my kid my undivided attention.
I'm going to exercise more. = I will exercise for 30 minutes, at least 3 times a week.
I'll be more organized. = I will focus 20 minutes a day on eliminating clutter and updating my calendar.
I'm going to eat better. = I will eat 3 vegetables a day.
I'm going to spend less. = I will budget to spend $200 less a month.
I want to be a better parent. = I will spend 30 minutes a day giving my kid my undivided attention.
I'm going to exercise more. = I will exercise for 30 minutes, at least 3 times a week.
I'll be more organized. = I will focus 20 minutes a day on eliminating clutter and updating my calendar.
I'm going to eat better. = I will eat 3 vegetables a day.
It must have a DATE.
We are deadline driven creatures. Deadlines motivate us and get us up off our butt. Its the reason I always encourage clients who want to start running or run longer to sign up for a race. An actual even looming over our heads makes all the difference. So take that goal (with a NUMBER!) and a add a definitive date.
I will lose 20 pounds by March 1st.
I will exercise for 30 minutes, at least 3 times a week, so that I have worked out at least 36 times by April 1st.
I will budget to spend $200 less a month in order to build $1000 in savings by June 1st.
I will exercise for 30 minutes, at least 3 times a week, so that I have worked out at least 36 times by April 1st.
I will budget to spend $200 less a month in order to build $1000 in savings by June 1st.
You must have ACCOUNTABILITY.
You have a goal. It has a NUMBER and a DATE. GREAT! Now who is making you hold to your promise? This critical step is the most skipped. People assume they just need to be self-disciplined. They might be embarrassed to ask for help or scared they might actually have to follow through. Involving another person and charging them with checking on your progress requires a significantly higher level of commitment. Knowing who to ask and how to ask makes all the difference. In this instance, you really do "get what you pay for". A professional life coach, business consultant personal trainer or nutrition coach is going to be experienced and motivated to keep you on track. Your neighbor, sister, or best friend might have the best intentions, but they are human. They get busy, they lose track of YOUR goals and often, they are uncomfortable calling you out if you need some tough love. If you are determined to go it alone, here are some ways to build in personal accountabillity:
Schedule a photo shoot.
Sign up for a race.
Make a bet with yourself. (For example- buy a giftcard and give it to someone you trust. When you hit your deadline, if you stayed true to your goal on the deadine, you get the giftcard. If not, they get to keep it.)
Schedule an appointment with a financial advisor to invest the money you saved.
Sign up for a race.
Make a bet with yourself. (For example- buy a giftcard and give it to someone you trust. When you hit your deadline, if you stayed true to your goal on the deadine, you get the giftcard. If not, they get to keep it.)
Schedule an appointment with a financial advisor to invest the money you saved.
 | Need help with your 2019 goals? Message me for individual help or check out my live, in-person, goal setting workshop next week! |
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