HOW TO SUCCEED ON YOUR RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR?

Today I heard a speaker address the topic of New Year's Resolutions, and how most of us do NOT succeed in accomplishing these resolutions.  If we aren't going to make a sincere effort to reach these goals, why make them?  Are these resolutions not important enough to us?  Would these resolutions not make a positive impact on us?  Do we set the bar too high?  Are these resolutions not attainable?

IF you really want to set some important goals/resolutions for yourself this year, what do you need to do to succeed at them?

• Make sure the resolution is important to you and can make a positive impact on you, your health, your life, etc.  Don't make frivilus or unattainable goals.
• Select a reasonable amount of goals/resolutions.  Three to five are plenty, and maybe that could be too much if these are hard and demanding goals to reach.
• Have a plan and/or schedule as how you will work on these goals and consider having a "coach" or supporter to encourage you and keep you on task.
• Be disciplined in your efforts.  Make sure you make yourself "accountable" for doing what is needed to reach your goal and possibly ask your "coach" to do the same and/or provide encouragement verses badgering you.  Whatever will help you keep motivated.
• Rewards can be a good incentive and give you encouragement as you reach mini-goals.  This could be another way that your "coach" can help keep you on task.
• Once you reach a goal, have a plan for how to maintain your accomplishment.  Don't slide back into bad habits.
• When you have accomplished all your resolutions, consider a way to celebrate that supports the value of these goals.  (Why were these resolutions important?  Will it make a difference in you and your life?)

We all have areas to improve -- not just the need to lose weight or exercise.  Think of how you feel about your career and where you would like to be career-wise in 3-5 years.  What would you need to reach that career goal?  Invest in yourself!  OR if you are a business owner, where do you want your business to be in 3-5 years?  What needs to be done to grow and succeed?  Take these goals seriously and use this "fresh New Year" to jump start your engine!  You can accomplish whatever you put your mind and body into doing!  You can hit the snooze button and rollover in bed, or jump out of bed and get moving!!!  YOU must make yourself accountable!  The pride you feel from this accomplishment will be worth every moment of sweat and effort!