3 Proven Steps to Keep New Year Resolutions Past January 1
The wave of sentimentality rolled over you December 31st. You
reflected upon the passing of another year, the highs and lows,
gains and losses. There is a tugging deep within your heart - "I
do want this next year to be the year that I _______" and then
you fill in the blank with your list. And really, you do want it
to be the year that it happens. Then it's January 1st, then the
2nd, and 3rd - and nothing has changed. Yet we truly wanted it
to change!
We live in such a paradox - we long for "things" to be
different, yet we find ourselves staying close to our comfort
zone and near our safety nets. How do we make the resolutions
reality?
Step 1 Dare to Commit When we make a resolution, we are
resolving to do something, with a firm determination. Many times
our list is the outcome: lose 10 pounds, balance home and work,
conquer procrastination, eliminate debt, become organized, etc.
And that's as far as it goes. What we omit is the commitment to
actually do it. We resolve that we want something different in
our lives, yet we omit a commitment to actually do it. The
saying, "the main thing is to make the main thing the main
thing" is true at this point. By daring to commit, you are
saying that you will resolve to make this outcome the main thing
- and there is determination to make it a reality.
Step 2 Paint The Big Picture Once we throw the gauntlet in the
sand and commit to do something about our resolution, we are
gripped with the fear of "how"? This is where the rubber meets
the road. The plan needs to be worked out beforehand for the
accomplishment of the resolution. This requires work on your
part! Beware of anyone offering you the "5 Easy Steps" at this
point. Your plan is dependent upon you - where you are in life;
what your home, family, and work environments are like; what
motivates you; what you can anticipate as obstacles; influence
of past accomplishments; how far you are willing to go past your
comfort zone; etc. A plan that follows the SMART format
(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) is
invaluable to making the resolution real.
Step 3 Benefit from Accountability Once you have developed a
SMART plan add a healthy dose of accountability. Accountability
means to be answerable. In what ways will you be answerable?
What benchmarks can you add to the SMART plan that will help you
stay the course? Who will truly partner with you, with healthy
care and concern, to hold you accountable? Accountability is the
ingredient for continued focus when the plan doesn't work as you
thought. And of equal importance, accountability is a catalyst
for celebration in reaching the milestones!
Making new year resolutions last past January 1st requires being
intentional. By following these three steps you get to design a
unique plan and create a deliberate way for it to happen - that
best fits you. There is margin and forethought given to
potential obstacles that can derail the process and celebration
of the accomplishments. By using this process you move past that
defeated "why bother, I never keep them" attitude. With this
proven process, resolutions can happen all year round - in your
life, business, and career - not only December 31st!