Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Staying the course with goals/resolutions of 2009...

We are 20 days into 2009, and statistics show that by the end of the month most of us will have given up on our new year's resolutions (if we made any to begin with). All that energy we had when we started the year is already starting to drain out of us or maybe we've just been distracted by the 70 degree weather and California sun!

Now is the perfect time to think about our 2009 goals and why they are important. Then spend a little time making a plan of attack for keeping this year's resolutions going strong into the year.

Here are a few brief tips for keeping up with your resolutions:
  1. Write it down. Seeing your commitments on paper gives them more life than when they are simply floating around in your head. This is a great first step for small or lofty resolutions alike. Get it on paper and look at it often.
  2. Break it down to small actions. Understanding the small steps that are required to get you from point A to point B will help you deal with the day to day roadblocks. It can be overwhelming to think about your resolutions in the big picture, but if you can break it down to small actions that you commit to on a weekly basis you will feel more comfortable in taking action. If you've resolved to improve your health, for example, focus on the small actions -- weekly walks, daily nutrition, etc -- that will get you to your goal.
  3. Get an accountability partner. This is by far, one of the most effective methods for staying the course and having success. Having someone else to check in with on a regular basis on your progress and your commitments will give you focus and the accountability you need to meet your goals. And remember, this is someone who can give you equal measure of cheer-leading and pushing.
  4. Get the support you need. What support can you put in place in your life to give you the time, energy, and resources to meet your goals? It can be as simple as asking your spouse not to bring home any treats or sweets to tempt you or hiring someone to do your laundry so you can spend that precious time at yoga class. The do-it-all-myself plan rarely works and getting the support you need will get you to your goals much faster.
  5. Don't give up. Maybe you've fallen off the resolution bandwagon, or maybe you never got on in the first place, either way, resolutions are not just for January and you can get back into the swing of things any time. You may hit a few road blocks on the way, but that's to be expected anytime you are pushing yourself to achieve greater things. So get going and keep going!
I'm off to tackle my own resolutions in 2009 and wish you the best in your journey as well!
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