Yes it's that time of year again when we resolve to make those long overdue self improvements!
Here are 5 easy ways to ensure you cannot fail!
1. Get Specific
There is no point saying. "I want to lose weight." "I want to learn something new." "I want to improve my health." Those vague goals just aren't going to cut it.
You need to get really specific. I want to achieve (specific goal) by this (time and date) to do this I am going to (set out your plan here) when things get tough I am going to (build in contingencies, when I succeed I am going to (set your reward). I will know I have achieved my goal when (set the marker of success).
2. Visualise Your Success
Set out your visualisation board. Get creative, use Pinterest, a scrap book, whatever you want to really visualise what success will look and feel like. I use the wheel of life to help me associate my success to all the key areas of my life. Get that visualisation board up on the wall, by your bed, on your screensaver, anywhere you will see it every day. Create an affirmation. I am capable and deserving of (whatever it is) because (evidence). I will not fail.
3. Make Yourself Accountable
Get a journal, set 5 minutes aside each day to document your journey of change, share your intentions with the people around you, don't be discouraged by any negativity, usually that is a reflection of the other person rather than on you. Who doesn't like to see other people develop and grow.....people who are not prepared to do the same, that's who! Get a coach, or a partner, someone who will kick your butt when you need it! Write a list of everything you will need to do to achieve your goal and tick it off as you go....there is nothing more satisfying than watching that list get smaller as you get closer to achieving your goal.
4. Immerse Yourself in Your Goal
You tube, social media, podcasts, books, films, online courses, they all have the ability to inspire us IF we use them wisely. Don't get dragged into a world of competition with people who aren't authentic. Remember this change isn't to compete with others, it's to improve your life and have a positive impact on the important people around you. It takes 66 days to create a new habit, change is not something that will come overnight, nor will it happen if you only make the effort a few times a week. Remember your vision board. This goal is going to change your life forever so get fully immersed in it!!!
5. Remember Maintenance is crucial
You've set this goal because it is important to you, you achieved this goal through hard work, dedication and sacrifice. DO NOT underestimate the importance of maintenance. Too often people achieve their goal and take their foot off the gas, their standards begin to slip and old habits return. Hence the reason so many of us have had the same New Years Resolution for the last 10 years!!! Maintenance must be part of the plan at the very beginning. Do not make achieving your goal the focus, make maintaining your goal the focus. Make this change part of your identity and carry it with you, always.
AND FINALLY
Inspire others! There is nothing more rewarding than sharing your experience with others so they too can achieve their goals. You know it can be done and how to do it, you are a success story! Be the inspiration for someone else's success story. Not only does it serve them but it reminds you daily why you worked so hard and why you must maintain the changes you have created!
Good Luck and Happy New Year.