How to Make Resolutions that Don't Lose Their Resolve

If you're like upwards of 90% of the American population, you firmly resolve to accomplish this or that every January, and your interest wanes within about 3-8 weeks. Perhaps you are so saddened by past results that you lack the will to even set New Year's Resolutions at all.

Well, don't despair. I've whipped up some great hints to help you maintain your resolve all year long and finally accomplish what you've wanted to achieve for so long.

The most common New Year's Resolutions include fitness goals and smoking cessation. Many people also vow to "get organized" once and for all. (As if it were a one-time event!) If "getting organized" were a one-time activity, a lot more people would achieve that goal. Unfortunately, it is a constant choice to "get" and "remain" organized. We humans are creatures of habit, and even weeks of progress can be set back by a few poor choices. That's why they call them "resolutions"... because the "resolve" is such a key factor!

New Year's Resolutions are nothing more than GOALS that are set at a certain time of the year. The end of one year and the beginning of the next (much like birthdays) cause us to stop and take stock of our lives, to see what we'd like to change about ourselves, our circumstances, and our outlook.

So here is a nuts-and-bolts guide to setting goals that stick:

1. First, figure out what you want.

This seems like an obvious step, but you'd be amazed at how many people I speak to each week who want coaching on their goals, but they have no idea what they really want. Here's a hint: you don't want to lose weight, get out of debt or get organized. These are all terrible goals and by the time you finish reading this article, you'll see why.

Figure out exactly what you want to be, do or have, and get specific about it. Do some research if you have to. If you want to win the lottery so that you can take European vacation you've always dreamed about, stop dreaming and start taking action that will get you there. Do some research - which countries do you want to visit? Which cities in each country? What national or historical landmarks do you have a burning desire to experience? What time of year is best? Start getting really clear on what you want to get out of this once-in-a-lifetime vacation you've been wanting.

2. Figure out why you want it.

If you haven't done this before, it may seem a little kooky. And answering "Because I want it" is not going to pass muster here. Really, why do you want what you want? What do you stand to gain from it? Really visualize what it will feel like when you have achieved your goal. What would be different in your life? Would you look at yourself differently? Would other people treat you differently? Would you have more confidence? More stamina? More time? Getting to the root of why you want what you want can cause you to get in touch with some powerful emotions that will super-charge your goal. An added benefit is that when you get in touch with why you want something, you may realize that your reasons are nutty, or that what you really want is something different entirely. For example, if you always wanted a luxury yacht and you realize it's because you wanted to feel wealthy and successful, you may be able to create that end result from getting something different entirely. At least until the luxury yacht is closer within your reach (maybe 2007?)

3. Create a plan of action.

It's been said that "a failure to plan is planning to fail" and I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, this is where many people tend to fail to achieve their most powerful goals. Let's go back for a moment to our European vacation example. Let's say you decide the best time of year to go is October. Here we are in January. If you create a plan right now, you have 9 months to save for this luxury vacation. Nine months is a long time, and a lot can happen in nine months! If you have children, you especially know what I'm talking about here! By creating a plan of action, you can decide how much money you'll have to save each month in order to reach your goal. You can also determine when certain tasks must be accomplished (when to book your airfare, when to make your hotel reservactions, when to request vacation time off work, etc.) In fact, you have plenty of time to set up a vacation savings plan, if you so choose. Without a plan of action, you will have no way to stay on top of everything that must be done between now and then. Without a plan of action, you will likely find yourself in mid-February, thinking "oh well, I guess we won't get to go to Europe this year either." The Success Method offers extensive information, tips, and planning worksheest to create simple, effective methods for achieving any goal.

4. Take action daily.

Take some sort of action every day (no matter how small) that will move you closer to the accomplishment of your goals. Keep in mind that an obese person did not get that way from one meal. People become overweight from a long list of personal choices made day after day after day. If your goal is to get fit, you have a number of choices every day that can either move you closer to or further from your goal. Should I exercise or not? Should I eat this doughnut or not? Should I take my vitamins or not? Should I take the stairs or the elevator? Should I skip lunch or not? Millions of tiny decisions add up over a relatively short period of time. Instead of looking at your goal as overwhelming, look at each day as a series of choices where you can choose to move closer to your goal...or not. And take some form of action every single day. An added benefit is you'll sleep better and reduce your overall stress by taking action that moves you toward what really matters most to you.

5. Track your progress.

Did you know that anything you measure will improve? It's true. So if you want to improve something, measure it. If you're saving for that dream vacation, get a posterboard and draw one of those huge thermometers on it. As you save money for your trip, color in the thermometer until it's full - you could even cut out pictures of landmarks (the Eiffel Tower, the Vatican, whatever is important to you about this trip) and paste them onto the posterboard to maintain your motivation and drive. If your goal is to get fit, take all your weights, body measurements, body mass index, and a "before" picture when you get started. Re-measure every month or so and your progress may surprise you. Post your results on your fridge or pantry door if that helps you stay on track. If your goal is to quit smoking, how about a sign that says "Smoke-Free Days" and up the number each day that you refrain from smoking. Whatever you measure will improve, so find a way to measure your progress and you will maintain your momentum far longer than those who don't track their progress.

6. Update at least quarterly.

In order to maintain your resolve the whole year through, make a commitment to revisit your goals at least quarterly. Monthly is better, but may be tough to keep up. If you are prone to give up those New Year's resolutions quickly, updates at shorter intervals will keep you on track. As you complete your goals, be sure to set new ones to maintain your focus.

Tomorrow, I'll offer some additional tips for goal-setting to keep you on track.

Until then, here is your question of hte day:
Are you willing to do what it takes to make 2006 the best year of your life so far?