Make A Change

It’s that time of year again. Time to reflect on 2013, decide how you’re going to up the ante and make 2014 even better. Each year, almost half of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. Of course, only one in five actually write down their goals, which could explain why only an average of 8% of people felt they achieved them.

If you want to have a better success rate this year, the first thing you need to “change” is the way you go about it. Follow these simple tips for greater success in creating your goals — and actually seeing them through:

1. Make it personal. When deciding on your goals for the year, think about changes you’re really passionate about making. Don’t make goals because you think they’ll impress others or what you “should” be doing. You need to connect with your goals on a deeper level. That way, if the going gets tough, you’re less likely to give up.
2. Narrow it down. Sure, maybe your goal is to “save more, spend less” but how do you plan on achieving those goals? Make the kind of resolutions that can be tracked and measured. The more specific you are, the better you’ll be able to mark your progress on your road to success.
3. Put pen to paper. Did you know that writing your goals down and posting them in a prominent place makes you 10 times likelier to achieve your goals? Download our Challenge Yourself template, fill out your goals and action plan, and post it somewhere you’re likely to see it. Reminding yourself of your goals daily can help you stay on track!
4. Set yourself up for success. Some goals require a little bit of organization and pre-planning. For example, if your resolution is to eat better and exercise more, make your lunch the night before and pack your gym clothes for that post-work workout. Being prepared makes it easier to stay on track and cut out the excuses.
5. Keep it simple. It’s easy to write down a long list of things we’d like to change about our lives and selves, but don’t go overboard. If you try to tackle too much at once, you can easily become overwhelmed quickly. It’s better to stick to just a couple of goals at a time. Set mini goals and take baby steps. Remember, you’ve got to walk before you can run.
6. Be persistent. Sometimes progress is slow. Other times, the results aren’t what we want them to be at first. DON’T GIVE UP. Real changes don’t happen overnight. Be persistent and focus on each step of the process. Keep going. It will get easier and you’ll be happy you didn’t quit. Again. Remember, nothing can change until YOU change.
7. Shake it off. English writer Aldous Huxley once said, “Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.” If you face setbacks when trying to achieve your goals … keep going. Nothing worth having comes easily, and your goals are worth fighting for. So when life pushes back (and it will) shake it off and keep your eyes on the prize. CRUSH IT!

Source: onlineeducation.net, January 7, 2013