The time to start planning new goals is always ‘now’ but, making New Year’s Resolutions, the single most popular goal setting time of any year, is fast approaching. Will you leverage it’s power to help you achieve your goals? Or will you be one of the many who set resolutions and falter?
I was reviewing my goals again to analyze how much or how little progress I made on each item. I do this regularly so that I can adjust efforts where necessary to insure that I stay on track with my goals.
I must say that I had another great year! I also must say that it is increasingly evident that New Years is fast approaching. We are into December already, and Christmas is just around the corner.
That means that New Year’s Day comes soon after and many will be making their annual New Year’s Resolutions. I can just hear it now. I am going to . . blah blah . . this year. Here we go again.
Most people do have really good intentions, but never seem to pull it off when the rubber meets the road. Why is this? Are these people just lazy? Don’t they have the motivation? Some of them really want to change. Why is it that so many people cannot make this happen for themselves?
Whether it is quitting smoking, losing weight, getting more fit, paying down debt, or just making more money, each year people resolve that the next year will be different, and they charge ahead full blast each January 1.
Then some seem to fizzle out within a short time. It doesn’t happen for them. Somewhere along the line they stop working on their resolution and just freeze up…
Is this you? Have you had trouble meeting your New Years Resolutions in the past? How about this year, 2024? Did you make any? How did it go for you?
Did you give up on some goal or habit that was tremendously important to you, that would have positively impacted your life for the better, that would have bumped your self image up a notch or two?
Or, are you one of those that sucked it up, bore down hard, gave it all you had, pushed through your past limits and then felt the excitement, the exhilaration you could only feel after pulling off a huge win?
Which scenario did you play out this year or years’ past? If you were in the latter group, then Congratulations!
If you were one of those who want to improve their strategies, then 2025 is your year. Another chance to show your stuff is coming just around the corner. It is never too late to go after more joy and happiness in your life.
Where will you be on New Year’s Day, 2025, when it is time to start another year and build momentum right from Day 1?
Will you sleep in after celebrating the ‘Eve”?
Or, will you be busy working on your best life?
Let’s move forward and positively impact our lives by developing the empowering habit patterns that will take us through this next year and beyond.
Leverage the power and emotional impact of New Year’s Resolutions to get yourself started. Take BIG action immediately and then increase your momentum until you couldn’t stop success if you tried. 🙂
The Power of Questions in Goal Setting: Discovering Your Why and Your Limits
Turn Your New Year’s Resolutions Into Reality: A Guide to Setting & Achieving Your Goals
As the new year approaches, the air fills with hope, aspirations, and promises to make the upcoming year better than the last.
But while setting New Year’s resolutions is a common tradition, achieving them often feels like a daunting challenge. Statistics show that most resolutions are abandoned by February.
How can you ensure that your goals for the new year don’t fall by the wayside?
The key lies in setting actionable resolutions and following a clear plan to achieve them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed:
1. Reflect on the Past Year
Before diving into new resolutions, take time to reflect on the past year.
What goals did you achieve?
What lessons did you learn from the goals you didn’t accomplish?
This reflection helps you identify what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change.
2. Set Specific and Meaningful Goals
One common reason resolutions fail is vagueness. Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” say, “I will lose 10 pounds by June by exercising three times a week and eating balanced meals.”
Use the SMART framework: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Choose goals that resonate deeply with your values and vision for your life.
3. Break Down Your Goals
Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable milestones. For example:
Big goal: Run a marathon by the end of the year.
Milestone: Run 5K by February, 10K by April, and so on.
Each small victory builds momentum and confidence.
4. Create an Action Plan
Goals without a plan are just wishes. Outline the exact steps needed to achieve your resolution.
Daily habits: What will you do every day to get closer to your goal?
Weekly checkpoints: Evaluate your progress weekly to stay on track.
Use tools like planners, habit-tracking apps, or calendars to stay organized.
5. Build Accountability
Share your resolutions with a friend, family member, or coach who can help keep you accountable. Alternatively, join a community or group working toward similar goals.
Regular check-ins with an accountability partner make you more likely to follow through. Choose one wisely.
6. Overcome Challenges. Always have a Plan B, an alternative plan.
Anticipate obstacles that might arise and have strategies ready to address them. Having a fallback plan prevents temporary setbacks from derailing your progress.
7. Reward Yourself For Progress
Celebrate milestones to keep motivation high. Rewards don’t have to be extravagant—a relaxing evening, a favorite treat, or a new book can suffice. Recognizing your efforts reinforces positive behavior.
8. Stay Flexible and Reassess
Life is unpredictable. Be willing to adjust your goals and strategies as circumstances change. If you find a goal isn’t serving you, it’s okay to pivot. Focus on progress, not perfection.
9. Visualize Success
Daily visualization of achieving your goals can boost motivation. Imagine how reaching your resolution will make you feel, and use that energy to fuel your efforts.
10. Focus on One Goal at a Time
Trying to overhaul your entire life all at once can lead to burnout. Prioritize one or two resolutions and give them your full attention. Once you build momentum, you can tackle additional goals.
11. Practice Self-Compassion
Remember, setbacks are part of the journey. Instead of giving up after a misstep, practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness and refocus on your goals.
12. Repeat Daily: POEFAR
Use the POEFAR method for daily goal achievement:
1. Plan your day: Outline what needs to be done.
2. Organize your resources: Gather what you need to succeed.
3. Execute your plan: Take action.
4. Follow up: Assess your progress at the end of the day.
5. Adjust your approach: Make necessary tweaks for better results.
6. Repeat. Create momentum, The Big Mo, I call it. Keep the momentum going.
Start Small, Stay Consistent. Remember, the secret to achieving your New Year’s resolutions isn’t just ambition; it’s consistent, intentional action. By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a year of growth and success.
So, take a deep breath, set your sights on what you truly want, and make the upcoming year your best one yet. You’ve got this!