The end of the year and the beginning of a new one always comes with a multitude of emotions, hopes, and other interesting thoughts. It is normal to become a bit more pensive and reflect back at the year and at our lives during this time of the year, the key is to make sure we do so intelligently in order to increase our chances of starting out the New Year with the highest chances of success. Here is how we can do that:
Set some time for yourself away from distractions and answer these three vital questions; it’s best if you write down your responses on a journal or document that you can look back at often.
- What lessons did I learn this past year around the areas of your life that are the most important?
- What do I want to accomplish this New Year?
- In order to reach my goals, who do I have to become? What habits do I need to let go of? What do I commit to doing differently?
Since studies have shown that over 90% of New Year’s resolutions never come to pass; here are 5 essential steps to make sure yours do.
- SET A RESOLUTION!
Wanting, wishing or hoping for something different or better IS NOT a resolution. For your desire to become a resolution, you must write down the specific results you are after and commit to doing whatever it takes to achieve them. Psychologist John Norcross studied two groups of people, both of whom wanted to change. Six months after, only 4 % of the group that wanted to change but hadn’t made specific resolutions had managed to stay on track to reach their goals; 46% of those who made specific resolutions were still on track. It appears that you are 10 times more likely to be successful if you make a resolution. I think I will make those resolutions!
- SET S.M.A.R.T. RESOLUTIONS.
Make sure your resolutions are SMART:
- S-Specific: Who? What? When? Where?
- M-Measurable: How will I know when it is accomplished?
- A-Achievable: Can you accomplish the goal with our current capabilities and resourcefulness?
- R-Relevant: Is this goal relevant to your most important goals in life and in alignment with your WHY?
- T-Timely: By when will you have accomplished the goal?
- GET THE BEST STRATEGIES, TOOLS AND COACHING TO PRODUCE MAXIMUM RESULTS.
You know, in order to be more or have more you will have to know more and do more. You must commit to figuring out what you need to maximize your chances of success. What do you have to know, what do you have to do, and who do you have to associate with? Find a coach or mentor to guide you and help you achieve your goals faster.
- TAKE MASSIVE ACTION, CONSISTENTLY AND WITH ENTHUSIASM.
No amount of education, preparation, will or desire alone will ever take you to achieve your goals. If you are to achieve your goals, it is vital that you put in the intelligent and consistent hard work to achieve them. There will be times when you might get off track… when that happens; realize what the trigger was and just get back on track as quickly as possible.
- CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATIONS CAREFULLY.
Spend your time with people that will encourage you, believe in you and support you or at the very least not hold you back. Our relationships play a huge role in our lives and they can really help you or hold you back, I know the family is family and we love those we love but sometimes, for the sake of your dreams, take a step back and look at your relationships from a more logical perspective.
If you follow the 5 steps that lead to successful resolutions you will set yourself up for success. I look forward to hearing about your successes in the months to come. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and your loved ones a New Year full of good health, happiness, and opportunities. I encourage you to pursue your resolutions this New Year with the expectancy that it will be the best year of your life because it certainly could be.