It’s about a month into 2015 and, statistically speaking, you’ve probably already given up on your new goals for the year. According to the University of Scranton, only 8% of people are actually successful in achieving their New Years Resolutions.
The rest of us are left frustrated, defeated, and reaching for Bon-Bons.
In my wellness business I interact with clients who are constantly trying to achieve the same health goal. Whether it’s a goal to lose weight, workout more, or simply eat more fruits and vegetables, a client will set and re-set that same specific goal for themselves. Every. Single. Year.
This is also true when it comes to other aspects of our life, beyond our health. Relationships, money, and our careers are all typical targets for our “Repeat Goal List.”
I can certainly relate. I’m not ashamed to admit I was a repeat offender.
For years, I would stare at my cubicle walls, dreaming of a way out. Each year would bring the same New Years Resolution: to leave my corporate job and launch my own business. One that I loved to wake up to. One that allowed me to follow my passions. But every year, the time would pass, and nothing would change.
Here’s the thing about your New Years Resolutions…you have great intentions. But intentions aren’t enough.
The reason you can’t reach your goals is because you don’t believe you can.
Let me re-state that. The REAL reason you never complete your goals is because you don’t believe in yourself and your ability.
Ding-ding, guilty as charged. My former cubicle life is a perfect example of this. The good news? You can overcome it. If I was able to finally cross off my own repeat resolution for good (and leave the corporate world for entrepreneurship), you can too.
How To Finally Reach Your Goals (For the Last Time): 3 Steps
Step One: Tell Everyone About It
As much as you hesitate to broadcast your goal to the world, this is necessary part of your success. Tell your spouse and your friends. Tell the mailman. Heck you should even post about it on social media. This is not just for accountability – this is for the external support you receive from your circle of influence. Because even if you don’t believe that you can achieve your goal (inner belief), your friends and family will reassure you that you can (outer belief).
Step Two: Visualize Your Ideal Outcome and Work Backwards
What do you want to look like? How do you want to feel? Whatever it is that you want, whether it is a small goal like losing 5 pounds, or a larger goal of quitting your job and launching a small business, look at the end result first. Then, work backwards in time to the present. What mini steps will you need to make from now until then?
Step Three: Commit and Take One Step at a Time
No goal can be reached without first making a commitment. Commit to yourself that no matter what, you will stick with your resolution. No hurdle will stand in the way of your change and your goals. Take one step forward at a time, only focusing on one small movement. Your small movements will add up to an incredible and life-changing achievement. Go YOU!………
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