Resolve to Meet Resolutions

Most of us formulated our "new" resolutions at the beginning of the New Year. Whether it is losing weight, being more organized, generating more sales or becoming more health-conscious, we all vowed to "do better" in the future.

Are you still following through or did you fail to keep your well-intended New Year's resolutions? Most goal setting seminars will teach you that the first thing you have to do is become absolutely clear about what it is you want; create a plan and work the plan. But if it were that simple, why is it that most people give up within 30 days of formulating their goals?

Before setting any personal or career goals, it's important to get a better understanding of yourself, your values and the beliefs that support them. If you truly know yourself, you will be able to determine the results in your life based on your own doing and not what other people have conditioned you to do. Real and lasting change for individuals and corporations alike starts from within

Here are seven tips to help you follow through on your well-intended resolutions.

1. Get excited!

In times of constant information overload, we have more options and thus more opportunities than ever before. This means that we also have more choices to make. Take responsibility and get excited about the choices you make now, as they will determine your level of success in the future. Conversely, if you feel that you are "making do" or just settling for something, you are setting yourself up for failure.

2. Why versus how.

One of the reasons people fail in following through on their resolutions is because they have not developed enough compelling reasons why they should change. Once you determine your objectives, create a strong "emotional awareness" for yourself. This means that you have to go beyond just thoughts and carry it over to your emotions. Fall in love with the process of reaching your goals.

3. Associate with the right people.

Look for family, friends or co-workers who will support and believe in you.

4. Sweat the small stuff.

Henry Ford once said that if you break a big job into small parts it will become easy. Ask yourself what activities are necessary each day, each week and each month to move you in the direction of your goal.

5. Choose feedback versus failure.

Most people don't set goals because they are afraid that they may fail. Remember that failure is a concept that only exists in your mind. When you don't get the desired outcome, you have not failed but have produced a result. So, whatever results you create, consider it feedback and not failure. Ask yourself: 'What am I going to do with the result I have produced?' It is within the answer to this question that you will discover new opportunities and learn better ways of creating the results you are looking for. At all times remain flexible!

6. What you focus on expands.

Focus on what reaching your goal will mean to you, your family, friends or colleagues. Create a picture in your mind of the new and improved you and let go of the limiting beliefs and thoughts of your current situation. When you focus on what you don't have (yet) or focus on the voids in your life, you will only get more of it!

7. You are not alone.

When you set goals, think about how others will benefit as well. Selfish goals have little merit. Success in any endeavor can only be achieved through others.

Strong goals will give you the ability to grow and allow you to stay focused in times of social and economic change. Goals will not only pull you in the direction where you want to go, but also influence the activities you get involved in and the people you meet along the way. You will find the path you take is what is most rewarding. It's not what you will get when you reach your goal; it's the person you will become when you get there that defines you for yourself and others

Author Information
Dieter Pauwels
Dieter Pauwels is a respected speaker, consultant and coach in the fields of possibility thinking, change management, sales communication and personal development. His presentations provide timely insights and success strategies to cope with the 24/7 information challenge we live in. He believes, “Life is more than making a living; it's about making a difference, a contribution.” For information, contact the FrogPond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@FrogPond.com

Copyright (Reprint Terms)
Copyright 2004 Dieter Pauwels. All right reserved. For information contact FrogPond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@FrogPond.com.