Those dreaded New Year’s Resolutions that many people start and most never do. Each year it is the same thing. We write down what we’re think we’re going to do and then what happens? Nothing! Most don’t even “get out of the starting blocks.” Heck, many are not even written down. Why is that? It seems that saying you’re going to do this or that is what is expected of you. You may have followed the crowd and joined in the excitement. So, you do what others do. Maybe it is losing weight, starting a business or overcoming some fear. Whatever it is, it is always the same. The same resolutions each year.
What if this coming year can be different for you? What if you have a resolution that can truly be resolved? How would that feel?
The last question is important. Feelings. The setting of resolutions has become a have to, instead of a want to. It is mostly simple fodder that is being spurted out at the end of December and the beginning of January. Someone may say, “I plan on losing weight this year.” So what! That means nothing to your brain and in particular, your limbic system. You’ve got to get to that in order for action to take place.
Even goal that have a plan of action mean nothing if there’s no emotional component to it. Goals and resolutions must have a purpose for YOU! It has to have meaning for YOU! And it has to go beyond the simple cognitive functions of your brain for action to take place. It’s all about emotions.
Here are five steps that will help you to create goals and resolutions that you will reach.
- Give each of your goals/resolutions a purpose. Find out the deeper reason of what it would mean if you were to reach it. For example, if you had a goal of losing 40 pounds by June 1, what would reaching that goal mean to you? How would you feel? How would your life change?
- Know exactly what you want. If you don’t know what you want, then you will never get it. Be absolute clear in every single detail. Don’t say I am going to lose weight. Instead, say I am going to lose 40 pounds of fat and my waist size is going to be______. I will be wearing a size____. My whole wardrobe will be amazing and I will look good in it. My family and friends will be also be amazed. Creating a vision board will help you with your focus. Is your goal realistic? Can it be done with the resources you have or will be available?
- Know exactly when you plan to get it by. That includes what the day will look and feel like. Get all perceptual details – what will it look, feel, sound, taste, and smell like? What are the emotional details of that day? What is the exact date you plan on reaching each of your goals by.
- Create a plan of action. An action plan, much like a business plan, has daily action steps as well as milestones. While focused on the end goal (with the emotional attachment), do the daily small things.
- Take immediate, massive and consistent action. Keep it going each and every day. Do something. Even the smallest things count. Eventually it will become a habit. If you remember of “The Little Engine That Could”, it kept at it until it got over the hill. Give your goals/resolutions your best effort each day.
Bonus: Get support. Whether it’s your best friend, a coach, a personal trainer or some other expert. There are even online resources and communities. Use a journal in helping you to keep on track. Whatever form of support you get, make sure to use it consistently.
Here’s to you and your journey. I wish you success as your travel that path towards what you want in reaching your goals.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Bob
America’s #1 Mind-Body Transformation Expert helping you in your journey towards your goals and more.