New Years Resolutions
New Years Resolutions
It's that time of year again - time to road test the New Year
Resolutions. Off we go, clutch engaged, engine on, tank fuel of
motivation and determination, headlights on full beam pointing
to where we want to get to......now where did I put that damn
map?
New Years is always a great time for evaluation, reflection,
goal setting and clean slates. January is peak time for new gym
memberships and enrolments to weight-loss programmes. The air is
alive with chants of "4 days without a cigarette" and "I've lost
2 kilos". Yet all this excitement, commitment and activity can
fade within a few short weeks or months of the year.
What is the secret to success? What can you do that will ensure
that you achieve your desired outcome?
The first step is to examine what it is that you want to
achieve. Are you seeking to achieve a positive outcome or
seeking to avoid a negative outcome? Does your goal indicate
something that you want to move towards, or something that you
want to move away from?
For example; a person who wants higher income could either state
that they want 'to enjoy financial freedom' (moving towards a
positive outcome), or alternatively that they 'don't want to
struggle financially anymore' (moving away from a negative
outcome).
In the first example the person is focused on what they want to
achieve. In the second example the person is focused on what
they do not want to occur. The universe will always deliver what
we focus on. Setting goals in the positive, (what we want) not
only increases our overall 'chances' of successful achievement,
it also provides a nicer view in the headlights!
The second step is to consider the reality of your goal. In
order to be realistic your goal must tread the fine line of
being achievable and of being challenging. Imagine yourself
standing at the centre of a children's see-saw. On one side is a
far-fetched outcome, on the other is an outcome you can achieve
with ease. Now weight your goal so that it perfectly balances
between these two alternatives. Goals which are too difficult or
too easy are soon abandoned and forgotten.
Take the reality check and ensure that you can answer 'yes' to
the following five questions;
1. Is this something you REALLY want? 2. Is this something you
can INFLUENCE? 3. Is this something you can CONTROL? 4. Is this
what is this is REALLY about? 5. Are you doing this for YOURSELF?
The final step in setting the goal is the measurement, or the
arrival point - the 'what?' and the 'when?' How will you know
when you have arrived at the outcome? When will you get there?
What will you be seeing, hearing and feeling that will tell you
that you have arrived?
Take time to actually visualise the outcome you are seeking,
tapping into the sounds, thoughts and feelings as you do so.
Now that you have a clearly defined, measurable, realistic,
positively stated goal, it is time to get out the street
directory and work out the nitty-gritty of the roads. How are
you going to get there?
This is your road map - your directions. The more effort you
plan into your journey, the easier the journey will be. If you
have ever headed off in the car and travelled blindly into the
city with a vague idea of your destination, you will know just
how much chaos those unforeseen one-way streets, no right turns
and pedestrian zones can cause. At best they cause delays, at
worst they involve cancelling your plans altogether. Taking time
now to plan your journey will ensure that you arrive at your
destination on time and by the easiest route.
In planning your journey, consider what it is that you need to
do, who is involved, what obstacles might hinder you, what are
the steps along the way, etc. Incorporate your answers to the
following questions into your plan;
What is the first thing that you need to do? What is one thing
that you need to do every day? Who is on your team to help you
achieve this outcome? Who do you need on your team? What
obstacles are in your way? What will you do to overcome these
obstacles? What is missing? What are you tolerating? What are
you not telling yourself? What is one big step you can take?
What good experiences have you had in the past? Why were they
successful? What negative experiences have you had? What did you
learn? How and when will you review your progress?
Write your goal and your actions down and put them in a
prominent place to maintain your focus. Oh, and one last thing,
just like we celebrate New Years Eve, make sure you plan now for
your celebration for achieving your goal.
Happy New Year and Happy Travelling!