New Year Resolutions Busted

The New Year brings in celebrations and aspirations. I have observed that it is during this time that people are most motivated. It is as though the 1st of January has given them a second chance to life. It is as though what happened in 2007 can be history and the future ahead is a worthy of achievements. This is the time of the year where even the meekest soul steps up and makes a resolution for a better life.
Did you know that fewer than 10% of people who set New Years' Resolutions actually achieve them? How can you ensure YOUR success this time? Try using the Tips below and you will surely move on long enough to make your resolution a reality.

1. Write Them Down. It's a fact: writing down your goals gives you a higher chance of success. A lot of times resolutions are verbal. Writing your goals down brings clarity.

2. Commit. Move beyond the land of "good ideas" to the land of true "commitment". Make the decision that you will show up for your goals. Perhaps you can do a ritual or ceremony to symbolize your commitment. When I made the resolution of getting a fitter body for 2008, I joined the gym. Paying money for your goal is a good commitment sometimes.

3. Tell People. Let your biggest fans in on your new commitments and goals for the year. Telling people about what you want to achieve puts pressure on you to deliver.

4. Get Accountability. Even better than just letting others in on your "secret" dreams and goals-get some accountability. Meet for lunch once a month with a group that will ask you, "So, how's it going with your goal?" Hire a Coach. Talk to your best friend or partner. Get some support!

5. Make a Plan. Ensure success with a step-by-step plan. Work backwards by starting with the end vision of where you want to be and working backwards to where you are today. You'll find an easy action plan to make your goals a reality. Many goals and resolutions fail because there was no plan of action laid down to mark out the steps it would take to achieve your goal.

6. Do a Goal Check-In. Before you decide on what you'll take on for the year, make certain you can answer, "YES!" to the following questions: "Am I the primary reason for setting this goal (vs. your mom, boyfriend, wife, boss, society)? Do I feel alive and energized by this goal? Is this goal in line with my life purpose or mission?"

7. Get Real! If you're contemplating putting a goal down that you always put down and never achieve, take a second look. How will this goal end DIFFERENTLY this year? Is this goal something you need to let go of? What purpose is it serving you each year? What is the good enough reason to truly commit?

8. Focus With Reminders. Once you've got your goals and plan in place, figure out ways to remind yourself. You can post your goals on the bathroom mirror or in the car or you can even put reminders on your cell phone. Figure out what works for you.

9. Believe and Visualize. Do you know the story about the group of basketball players who spent one hour visualizing making baskets, while another group actually practiced? The visualizing players had better seasons! So visualize yourself on days into the New Year with all your goals achieved. What would that look like? How would it feel? Visualize once a day and see the difference it can make in your life.

10. Treat yourself: Every time you take action towards your goal, treat yourself. It is said that true success is in the journey not the destination. So each time you set yourself on the journey, treat yourself.

May 2008 be the year that your goals and dreams reach full flight!