How To Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Actually Stick
It seems at the beginning of every year, we all set some goals or "New Year's resolutions". Set with the best of intentions, most of these resolutions never stick. For example, have you ever noticed how the gym is super crowded for the first couple of weeks of January, and then it goes back to normal by the end of the month? As you look back and think about the resolutions you made last year, do you realize that they never came to fruition? Or perhaps, worse yet, you don't even remember what they were? I'd like to help you make this year a little different! So, if you are interested in learning how to make your resolutions actually stick, then read on.
Step #1 - The #1 reason goals aren't achieved
Do you know the #1 reason that most people don't achieve their goals? It's because they aren't big enough! Yes, that's right. Think about this for a moment. If I asked you to come work for me, and told you that you would work 80 hours/week, for an entire year, with no vacation, and at the end of that time, I would pay you $30,000, how inspired and excited would you be? Now, imagine that same situation, but at the end of the year, I'd pay you $300,000, and make you 50% owner of my multimillion dollar corporation? Is that a little more exciting to you? I'm guessing the answer is yes!
So, the first key to actually achieving your goal is to make it big enough that it inspires you!
Step #2 - The #2 reason goals aren't achieved
Once you have a goal that inspires you, you need to overcome the #2 reason most goals aren't achieved, and that's not having a powerful reason why you are doing it. If you've set a goal that's not really important to you, is something that you should do but don't really want to do, or isn't very powerful to you, you have no chance of succeeding. Imagine for a second that someone asks you to make $1 million in a month. How likely are you to accomplish that? Now, imagine that someone you love dearly has a terminal illness, and if you can make $1 million in a month, you can buy the cure and save their life. Which one are you more likely to achieve? I think you see my point!
So, the second key is to make sure you have a powerful reason why, as this will help you overcome the obstacles to your success!
Step #3 - Enroll others in your success
Another key to achieving your goals is to enroll others in your success. If you don't share you goal with other people, then it's not really a goal, as there is no accountability. By telling others about what you are trying to achieve, and asking for their support, you will have a community of people checking in on your progress and holding you accountable for your success. This is a great way to increase your likelihood for success.
Step #4 - Break down your goal into action steps
Let's face it, a goal without a plan is simply a dream. You have to break down your goal into concrete action steps if you hope to have success. By aligning your actions with your intentions, you'll make small progress on a daily basis that will pull you forward, and eventually help you to achieve your goal.
Step #5 - Track and measure your progress
Every successful plan includes tracking and measuring your progress. By doing this, you'll be able to gauge where you are at, and adjust accordingly. Also, by rewarding yourself as you reach key milestones, you'll exponentially increase your chance for success, as well as have fun in the process!
The bottom line here is that if you follow these 5 steps, you'll be able to actually make your New Year's resolutions become reality, which will make a huge difference in your life!
Here's to a successful year!