You know the old saying; "People don't plan to fail; they just fail to plan." Think back to your 2008 resolutions. How many did you achieve? Any? If you are like most people, 80% of those who make resolutions, you did not accomplish your resolutions. Well, at least you attempted. That is better than 60% of the rest of the world. So what's up? Why don't you accomplish your goals? Better yet, why do so many not even try?
Let's start with those who don't set resolutions or goals. Why? Here's a surprise; because they have failed at it so often. They have given up. Making resolutions that they will never accomplish seems futile. In fact, by not making resolutions they avoid the feeling of failure. Why set yourself up for failure, right? Leave your positive self-esteem in tact!
Surely, we all see the insanity in that. Instead of burying your head in the sand, let's look at how you can set yourself up for success in planning rather than failure. And, from this success build real positive self-esteem.
Tip #1: Take time to plan. A clear plan takes time. Resolutions tend to fail because we don't actually think about them. They are knee-jerk responses to that yearly question, "So, what resolutions have you made?" Set aside some time. Plan to plan. Don't wait until New Years Eve or while you are stuffing your face on New Years Day or the day after when you are feeling guilty about stuffing your face.
Tip #2: Plan based on your life goals. You can view this as your long-term plan. What do you really want out of life? What are your dreams? If it helps, think of the categories of health, career, relationships, wealth and fun. Here's another old saying, "If you don't know where you are going; any path will get you there." (Lewis Carroll) That's why you see people attempt the same thing over and over by different means, but fail. They really don't have an end game. They don't have a clear vision of where they want to be. Define your passions in life. That’s your first step.
Tip #3: Tie your short-term goals to your long-term goals. You know where you want to end up, so what steps along the way do you need to make. What are the intermediate goals that have to be met in oder for your long terms goals to be accomplished. Plus, short term goals are realized sooner, so you get the satisfaction of achievement. You begin to build you self-esteem. Then you are on a roll.
Tip #4: BeS.M.A.R.T.about your goals. Specific-Measurable-Accepted-Realistic-TimeBound. Don't just say you want to be healthier. Is it weight (how much), is it cholesterol (how low) or is it more successful (money - how much)? Ask yourself if is it acceptable. Are you really committed to it? Is it realistic? Do you believe you can achieve it. Is 100 lbs weight loss in one month realistic? Finally, when will it be achieved? Someday is not an answer.
Tip #5: Write it down and communicate it. You will be more successful if you can refer to your plan on a daily basis. Start your day and end your day reviewing your plan. And, talk about it. Enlist the support of those who care about you.
Tip #6: Plan you rewards and your punishments. Follow through on them. Planning them and following through on them, especially the punishments, will keep you from feeling guilty and beating yourself up more than you should.
Try these tips and watch 2009 be one of your best years ever. Now, go plan! The clock is ticking!
