New Years Resolutions: Sticking to it!

As 2010 arrives, we find ourselves thinking about things to change. We look inward at our lives and what we’ve accomplished this year or what we’re not happy with and think about those changes. In the best tradition of the holiday season, we then set new year’s resolutions with the intention of changing ourselves for the better in the coming year.

However, despite the best of intentions, somewhere around February things seem to fall apart. We give up on our resolutions and put them off again… until next year. But why? Why this turn of events? Are these resolutions realistic… are they smart… or are they beyond our expectations?

Resolution and Goal Achievement

The foundation on which we’re able to achieve our resolutions and ultimately our dreams, is goal setting. To best manage our expectations and successfully stick to these resolutions we need to make a clear plan of mini-goals that are set to reach the ultimate resolution. For most people, new year’s resolutions are centered around accomplishing something good and useful, such as losing weight, running a marathon, quitting smoking, spending more time with the family, etc. These resolutions are typically set to help you transform into a healthier, happier and more fulfilled you. The absence of a plan will keep you from reaching these self-improvement goals. Most of us are creatures of habit and it’s hard to change our habits without a solid plan. A plan of mini-goals will help you reach your resolution. You can’t just run a marathon. For a resolution like this, you’d start a clear training program for running, then start with smaller races like 5Ks or 10Ks, then maybe a 15K. Once you’re comfortable with your longer runs, you’d be smart to try a half-marathon or two before attempting the full marathon. This takes practice, patience and dedication to the running and especially your training. If you make this resolution in January, you can’t expect to accomplish this very soon. So for some, February comes and if you aren’t committed to the training, the resolution falls off the list.

Achieve your dreams

Don’t let your resolutions fall to the wayside! Your resolutions are crucial to achieving your dreams… the weight loss, the marathon, more time with your family, no more smoking, etc. Goal setting and goal achievement are easier if you follow these 5 simple steps. These steps will help you successfully accomplish your resolutions.

Set a reasonable resolution. Not one of those grand, pie in the sky goals that are set so high that they become unattainable and unreasonable. A resolution should be tangible and setting specific goals to reach them is the first step to sticking to your resolution.

Take it step by step. Your resolution is important to you so make it easier to accomplish by breaking it down into more manageable goals, mini-goals. These mini-goals will allow you to make progress a little at a time and keep you motivated until the resolution is fulfilled.

Write it down and remind yourself. The only way to focus on your resolutions and commit to your goals is to write them down… and often. Lee Iacocca said, “The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen.” Write it all down, the resolutions, the mini-goals and the critical path you want to take. Writing it down makes a deeper commitment to goal accomplishment and reminders keep you on the path.

Be accountable and check your progress. Turn to friends, coworkers and your family for help. Tell them about your resolutions, keep them informed on your progress and ask for help if needed. Progress is important to staying motivated and on track towards your accomplishments.

Relapse prevention. If you aren’t making much progress, step back and take a look at why and figure out a way to overcome the obstacle. It’s easy to fall back into the old habits you’re trying to replace. The main thing to understand is not letting a fall back be an excuse to quit work on the resolution. Stay focused and overcome the trigger that is drawing you back to these old habits.

For many, the new year is a beginning to new plans, new dreams and a new you. Following the steps outlined above will help you accomplish your goals and reach all the possibilities you have for yourself in 2010.

Happy new year and may this year be your best year ever!