U-Turn Ahead

Okay, it’s almost the end of 2007 and you know what that means…time to make those New Year’s resolutions.  Sure, we break most of them in the first month, but why not make 2008 a little different.  So, here are my suggestions for making a New Year’s resolution that really makes a difference:

1. Choose only ONE goal for 2008.  We want success, not an entire personal makeover.  So, what is the one thing in your life that you most want to change?  Is it your career?  Or maybe a relationship, or your health.  Pick just one thing you will commit to changing and focus your energy on that goal.
2. Spend some time thinking about the specific change you want to make.  You have five days to really consider what change would be the most meaningful.  You also have time to consider the specific goal you will set, how you will make the change and what support will be needed.  So, don’t just go with the first idea that comes to mind.  Read the next few suggestions and set a plan that you can follow.
3. Choose a goal that is measurable and realistic.  Don’t shoot for the sky here.  If you know you have to lose 60 pounds to be at your ideal weight, set a goal to lose 20 pounds.  Remember, reaching a goal is not the end of change.  Life is all about change and when you reach that goal you can set a new target.  Even if the 20 pounds is all you ever lose, you are still far better off.  So, break up big goals into smaller, meaningful changes.  Remember the saying, every journey begins with one step.
4. Don’t set a goal that will take all year to achieve.  This is a continuation of the last recommendation.  Many people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions simply because it takes too darn long to achieve it.  So, set a goal that you can reach in a couple months, even shorter, if you would like.  Success is not measured in how long it takes you to achieve your goal, but rather whether reaching the goal improves your life in some way.
5. Write your goal down in a place you will see it every day.  You need to be reminded of the goal you choose, and I also suggest adding a couple lines about how reaching this goal will improve your life.  You want to keep focused on the change you have chosen and the difference it will make.  I like to carry my goal around with me, or post it where I most need to be reminded (at work, the refrigerator, on my mirror).
6. Tell others about your goal.  But there is a caution here…only tell individuals that will support and encourage you.  If your goal is to start a business (which, of course, you will break down into smaller steps/goals), don’t wait time telling someone who is just going to tell you how most businesses fail and your idea will never work.  I have found support from people I meet online to support me in my efforts.  Telling someone supportive will give you extra motivation to meet your goal.
7. Keep a daily log of your progress.  Several studies have shown that simply tracking the results of your efforts will result in some change.  So, make a simple log and keep track of the steps you make toward your goal.  Seeing improvement in writing will help move you closer to your target.
8. Plan now how you will celebrate your success.  Along with your goal and a plan for achieving it, you should have a plan for celebrating that accomplishment.  Be sure you don’t forget to reward your own hard work.  Sure, achieving the goal has it’s own rewards, but the extra celebration will add some additional incentive.

So, there you have it.  Time to begin planning and make 2008 a year of real change.  Do you have other tips and ideas for making resolutions?  Leave a comment and let us know about it.