Anyone can make a New Year’s resolution. How many of us can actually keep one though?
Food for thought — maybe we should resolve ourselves to make minor changes over time instead of a couple drastic maneuvers on Jan. 1. Maybe if we resolve to make a few small changes over the course of the year, we will have a better chance of looking back and thinking, “Job well done!”
How will you resolve to change in 2019? What realistic promises will you make yourself, your loved ones or business associates?
According to Fox News, every year about 40 to 45 percent of adults in America make a New Year’s resolution, with the top three goals being weight loss, to stop smoking and to save money. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only eight percent of the people who set New Year’s goals actually achieve them — about 80 percent will give up in the first two weeks.
Let’s think this through and work out a full-proof way to make sure the goals we set come to fruition.
1. Decide what you really want to achieve
What is meaningful to you and how can you realistically go about bringing it to life? This will be the hardest part of the equation, so make it your number one priority and the planning will be downhill from here. Think big-picture and don’t allow your inner editor to limit your ideas.
2. If you have more than one goal, prioritize
Which goals means the most to you personally? If you have a professional goal, as most of us do, don’t let it outshine your inner wants. Obviously, life has costs and sometimes we have to compromise our personal desires in lieu of professional ones; Still, make time for yourself and your own needs. If you are stagnant then it will show in every aspect of your life.
3. Be specific
Once you have narrowed down the priorities, then make a plan. Kind of like putting together a budget — get honest with yourself regarding the specifics of what you want and how badly you want it. Whether you are working with a budget of $30,000 or $300,000, the same rules apply. Put pen to paper and sketch out what you want for the year. Perhaps you want to travel — Start thinking about where you’d like to go and how badly you want to get there. What steps need to be taken to make this dream a reality? Maybe you need a new car — Do you have equity in your current car? Do you need to save for a down payment? How can you alter your lifestyle and budget to allow you to save?
4. Hold yourself accountable
Tell a friend, spouse, family member — how will you set yourself up for success? Sometimes setting goals is not enough; you have to state your intentions daily, tell someone else what your goal is and remind yourself what it is you intend to accomplish. Put a post-it note on the bathroom mirror. Set a daily reminder in your phone calendar. Tell yourself, out loud, daily what you are going to make happen. Who knows? Maybe the universe is listening.
For more great ideas and information: Visit www.forbes.com/sites/moneywisewomen/2011/05/11/the-power-of-stating-your-intentions-out-loud/#5f83c3105acf
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