2018: New year's resolutions prosper with goals

                                  

The beginning of a new year always gives hope and a sense of optimism. Reflection and introspection is very common when one year ends and another begins. This self-examination usually leads to people resolving to become better and to do better.

I want to lose weight;

I must start saving and investing;

I will go back to study;

I am going to live a life that is in sync with my beliefs

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the resolutions made when we move from December to January and we all get 365 blank pages to re-write or to continue writing our life story. 

  

A lot of organisations such as gyms, learning institutions, financial service providers even religious establishments experience a spike in activity and enquiries from the psyched masses that would have made new year’s resolutions.

While making resolutions is a positive thing, following up and backing up your resolve with goals is even more powerful. Doing this is one way of ensuring your resolutions do not fizzle out along with the thunderous sounds of the fireworks.

Keep the resolutions alive!!!

Resolutions and goals are not the same (topic for another day), but they go hand in hand. The main factors that will determine the survival or death of a person’s resolutions are:

1) Mindset

2) Goals setting ability

What is a goal?

                                                                                

Definition: A desired result, target or end-point that can be achieved or reached by performing certain actions.

Looking at this statement reveals that effective goal-setting should look at 3 main things;

(i)                  Where are you now?

(ii)                Where do you want to be?

(iii)               How are you going to get there?

For every goal, you need to “Start with WHY”. The how is not much fun and at times not easy because it normally requires you to move out of your comfort zone. Knowing why you want to achieve a certain goal will make it easier to figure out the how and keep you motivated .

Steps to setting and achieving goals

(1)    Set your goal and state why you need to achieve it. Don’t forget to mention the downside of not achieving the set target.

(2)    Make an honest evaluation of where you are now and how you got there

(3)    List detailed steps of what needs to be done to reach your goals and resources you will need along the way.

Remember: your goals need to be SMART, specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.

Increase your chances of achieving your goals by writing them down, constantly referring to then and rewarding yourself when you reach certain milestones in pursuit of your goals. Don’t be afraid to change strategy if and when things seem to be off track.

Have a productive 2018. You have 365 blank pages. Think positive, think big….. #beoutrageous