There is something so special about an entirely new year. Something so liberating and magical all at the same time. Despite the uncertainty of the future, we all have an idea of where we’d like to be or what goal we’d like to accomplish over the course of the next year.
You’ve likely laid them out in your head, maybe even toasted to them over a glass of champagne.. but now what? Did you know that of the billions worldwide that make New Year’s resolutions, only 12% keep their commitments? I think it’s time we change that. Here are a couple of tips to keep you and I accountable and on the right track to conquering our dreams and beating statistics!
Develop the vision you have for yourself.
Think of this new year as a blank slate. It’s the first page of the latest chapter in your book. Envision where you want to be, who you want to be standing with and all that you desire to accomplish. Next step, write it down or draw it out. Don’t forget, however, to leave some blank space for the surprises life will inevitably throw at you along the way.
The only thing worse than being blind, is having sight and no vision.
Helen Keller
Know your “why”.
Having a goal is great but understanding why you want to achieve that goal is even better. The reason most people fail is because they don’t understand the way and the why behind what they are doing. Anyone can set a goal, but acknowledging how that goal could and will change your life will not only help you set more intentional goals but also make accomplishing them a non-negotiable. Let your “why” be your motivation. Let it be the driving factor when the waters get murky and you’re on the edge of giving up.
Create a plan and set actionable steps.
Make yourself an outline of how you plan to tackle your goals. Let that plan be your road map (or GPS for us Millennials). And then start crossing off each accomplished step along the way. I know, you know how rewarding that feels! Breaking your big goal into simpler, smaller goals will set you up for success in making the bigger goals more tangible.
Tools that set me up for success:
I am a BIG planner guy and both the priority planner and Start Today journal have been assets in setting SMART goals and tackling big dreams.
Set a due date.
Don’t let your goals for today become goals for “someday”. Determine a realistic time frame that you can work towards. By setting a due-date, you are creating a sense of urgency– because your dreams ARE urgent!
“Show me your calendar and I’ll show you your priorities.”
Chris Hart
Reward, Learn, Refine, Repeat
First, you should reward yourself whenever you meet a goal. It’s not easy getting there and the positive reinforcement will help future success. Second, learn from each step along the way. Determine what worked, and acknowledge what didn’t. Refine what could’ve worked better and then repeat when you’ve got it figured out!
My BIG 2021 Goals:
- Run a REAL (non-virtual) half marathon!
- Put out consistent and valuable content.
- Become a certified coach *non-fitness* (more on this to come!)
- Invest!
- Read two books a month– one for fun, one for self-development.
- Secure one speaking gig by end of year.
- Time block scheduling
I’d love to hear from you and what your big 2021 goals are! Let’s help keep one another accountable. Cheers!
