Make 2011 Different - Stick To Your New Year's Resolutions

If you survey a random group of people about their previous New Year’s resolutions, you'll probably find that:

• Most of them have had the same resolution(s) a few years in a row.
• Many quit after January 31—maybe March 30 if they were serious.
• Some never even tried to tackle the list (they just made a wish list).
• Others started, stopped then started and stopped again, making a little bit of progress.

Here’s why a lot people are not successful in keeping their resolutions: they make them about an event (a new year) that has absolutely nothing to do with their personal goals (i.e. the things they feel compelled to accomplish).

If you want to be successful in making and sticking to resolutions next year, here are five suggestions:

1. Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions – Eight times out of ten, the thing you want to accomplish next year is the same thing you should have done last year. Don’t set yourself up for failure by adding an artificial constraint of time--a new year.  Setting personal goals are about you, not an event. 
2. Understand That Reaching A Goal Is A Journey – If you view your “resolution” as a journey and not a destination, you will be successful.  A journey is a passage that allows you to explore, learn, and evolve as you move to the next phase. Simply focusing on the destination (the end point) doesn't help you discover everything that you need to do nor does it help you enjoy all your accomplishments as you strive to reach your goals.  The journey is the best part of the experience.
3. Set Goals That Matter To You – Here’s a novel thought: Maybe you did not accomplish your New Year’s resolutions last year because they were not important to you.  Make it easy on yourself. Just be you and focus exclusively on accomplishing the goals that will make you happy and add significant value to your life.  Any goals that you set should align with who you are and who you want to be.
4. Just Do It – Instead of broadcasting your 2011 resolutions to your family, friends, and coworkers, write them down. Keep them in your wallet or your purse and just start to work on them quietly and diligently. After you make real progress on a specific goal, then share it with a few cheerleaders (the folks who will give you high fives and congrats).  Since this is your personal journey, keep it personal until you are ready to share.
5. Stay Motivated – You’ll get distracted and tired, but that’s OK as long as you stay focused.  Achieving your goals (resolutions) is a process that takes time, effort, and energy.  Find ways to stay motivated and to recharge when you get a little discouraged. One great way to stay on track is to celebrate your progress  and achievements as they happen. 

Here's to your success in 2011!