But if we look around, we can realize that year after year… things do not change much for most people. Why is that? If I can tell you, one of the main reasons is because most people will not sit down and clearly define and write down what they want out of life. But I know that if you are reading this, you are likely in the minority that will.
Here is how to start: Set some time for yourself and answer these three questions; it’s best if you write down your responses.
1. What lessons did I learn this past year?
2. What do I want to accomplish this New Year?
3. In order to reach my goals, who do I have to be?
Have you set your New Year’s Resolutions yet? Great! Here are 10 of the more typical resolutions around the country.
1. Spend more time with family and/or friends
2. Get fit or lose weight
3. Quit smoking/drinking or any other type of addiction
4. Enjoy more of what life has to offer
5. Get out of debt
6. Improve my relationships
7. Learn something new
8. Change jobs or get a promotion
9. Help others or volunteer more
10. Become better organized
Unfortunately, studies have shown that over 90% of New Year’s resolutions never come to pass. Here are 7 essential steps to make sure yours do.
The 7 Stages to Successful Resolutions
1. 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 achieving 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!
2. Take your resolution seriously.
What do you do when you mean business? Would you just wing-it and hope for the results you want or would you do your homework and prepare yourself to give yourself the best chance? I would certainly do my homework as well. I say, if you are going to do something, do it! When setting resolutions, remember to be authentic, align them with your values and cultivate a burning desire to achieve them.
3. Set SMARTY resolutions.
In creating your resolutions, make sure they have the following:
S-Specific: Who? What? When? Where?
M-Measureable: How will I know when it is accomplished?
A-Achievable: Can you accomplish the goal? Do not set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals.
R-Relevant: Does the outcome of achieving the goal seem worthwhile?
T-Timely: By when will you have accomplished the goal?
Y-What is your why? Anything that you look forward to accomplishing has a reason, right? Find those reasons, become clear about them; a burning desire can only be developed through clarity, commitment and willingness. The why will drive you and it will keep you going no matter the difficulties.
4. 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 most likely know more and do more. Therefore you must commit to discovering what you might be missing. Someone out there has already accomplished what you want; figure out what they did differently and do it. A coach might come in very handy for this portion; if you are serious about accomplishing your goals by utilizing the fast-track; feel free to reach out by sending me an email atJorgeRaziel@ZealousVision.com.
5. Take massive action, consistently and with enthusiasm.
No extent of education, preparation, will or desire alone will ever take you to achieve your goals. There is a very important component to achievement, the hard work that goes with it. Make up your mind that you will work at it, that you will do what is necessary to reach your goals. You will no longer go another year with just hopes and dreams without seeing any results.
6. Realize there will be set-backs.
Just like any path to success, there will be difficulties. There will be times when you mess-up or when you seem to be getting off track… when that happens: jump back on the wagon! Any path to the top of the mountain always has peaks and valleys. Determination and persistence are crucial to the process.
7. Be aware of your associations.
Be careful of who you decide to share your goals with. Find the people in your life that will encourage you, that will believe in you. Stay clear of those that will find a way to discourage you or bring you down. At the end of the day who you spend your time with will largely determine if you are successful.
In Conclusion
If you follow the 7 stages 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 of health, happiness and opportunities. I hope that you will give yourself the gifts of love, forgiveness and faith. I encourage you to pursue your resolutions this New Year with the expectancy that it will be the best year of your life.
