Many people start out the New Year excited and say they are really
ready for a better year. They tell their friends that they are ready for
better times and they make lots of New Year’s resolutions. The problem
is that most people are only excited for the first two weeks of the New
Year, then by the third week they have forgotten their resolutions and
are back to doing exactly what they did before. And what usually
happens is they end each year the same way they ended the year before.
Why is that?
There are two main reasons: one is because they get caught up in the
“New Year’s Resolution Trap” and the other is because of a lack of
continuous motivation. I call it a “resolution trap” because it feels
good to make New Year’s resolutions, yet it rarely actualizes into
anything tangible. Statistics show that the sale of diet products and
health club attendance are highest in the first two weeks of the year,
but the enthusiasm starts to dwindle by the end of the month.
I tell my audiences that resolutions are a nice little feel good
activity, but are really a waste of time. They have no substance and
rarely, if ever, create any sustained improvement in people’s lives. I
recommend you DO NOT make any New Year’s resolutions, but rather you set
some new goals for the New Year! Goals are one of the main keys to
achievement. How can you distinguish a goal from a resolution? Goals are
measurable, they are specific, they have a time element attached and
they are written. Resolutions are nebulous, are not specific and are
almost never written.
The best ways to reach your goals is to SMART them. Here’s how to do it:
Specific – Don’t just say I want to lose weight. Get specific! I want to lose 20 pounds by March 1st and I’m going to eat right, exercise three times each week and not give into cravings.
Measurable – Set a goal that is measurable
so you can check your progress as you go. Don’t just say, “I want to be
happy.” That’s not measurable.
Attainable – This means a goal that is in
the realm of possibility. The idea is to push beyond your comfort zone,
but not so far where it becomes impossible and you become frustrated
and give up.
Relevant – Is your goal important to you?
Are you passionate about it? Does it involve your purpose? If you
answer no it’s going to be nearly impossible.
Time-bound – Set a date by which you want to achieve your goals. This eliminates procrastination.
Whatever you want to achieve this year, set the goal, set the date of
achievement, write it down, read it daily and GET BUSY! You will see
your life change!
The next thing that stops people from growing each year is a lack of
continuous motivation. They get motivated at the first of the year but
don’t keep it up. Some people say the problem with motivation is that
it wears off. Well, so does bathing, yet most people bathe everyday (we
hope). The same has to be done with motivation; it must be ongoing to
maintain effectiveness. Make a commitment to read or listen to something
motivational each and every day. Make a commitment to fill your mind
with that which is positive and encouraging. Find something that
inspires you such as a book, motivational tapes or inspirational music
that makes you want to dream and then motivates you to go after your
dreams.
Make a decision and make it important to seek motivation and
inspiration and make it a daily part of your routine and you will make
this a better year…I guarantee it! So folks, On Your Mark, Get Set,
Let’s Go! Let’s Thrive in the New Year!
Willie Jolley is a world-class, award-winning speaker,
best-selling author and media personality. Success Magazine hailed Mr.
Jolley as the ‘Comeback King.’ Willie Jolley was named “One of the
Outstanding Five Speakers in the World” by Toastmasters International.
Willie Jolley is the author of several international best-selling books
including “It Only Takes a Minute to Change Your Life,” “A Setback Is A
Setup For A Comeback,” and “Turn Setbacks into Greenbacks.
0 Comments: