In some regards, the transition from one year to the next is simply the transition from one day to the next.
Nonetheless, there is a marking of time that inspires a deeper pause for reflection. A time to review the events of the year, celebrate successes and identify what to do differently over the next 365 days.
So how about those next 365 days? If you’re about to scribble out a list of resolutions, hold fire.
Sadly the statistics aren’t kind when it comes to how successfully we maintain resolutions. In fact, most fizzle out before the last drop of champagne in our glasses!
Why? There are a number of reasons. For instance, resolutions tend to be vague intentions. They’re not specific enough. There’s no deadline. Many resolutions aren’t truly compelling. The list goes on.
Plus we believe willpower, motivation and wishful thinking will see us through.
It’s not enough.
If you want different results in the New Year, it’s time to do things differently. Swap those empty resolutions for a few powerful goals instead.
Here’s my small formula for a year of success:
Step 1 – Streamline Your Goals
Scrap the list of 20 resolutions. Instead opt for a few key goals. Think laser focus.
What do you really, really want to achieve? What target would be worth celebrating if you reached it? Be deeply honest with yourself.
Discard goals you feel are expected of you or that you ‘should’ be aspiring to, your heart won’t be in it. Write your goals in a place where you can glance at them quickly each day to keep them at the forefront of your mind. Keep goals simple, but make them S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound.
Using this criteria will help ensure you’ve set a goal that pushes you, and yet is doable. You’ll know what you need to do and you’ll know if you’ve succeeded or not. You’ll either achieve the outcome or you won’t, but either way you’ll be able to gauge the results of your efforts against a clear target. The ‘smarter’ the goal, the greater the likelihood for success.
Step 2 – Set An Implementation Intention
With your key, S.M.A.R.T. goals established as your beacon on the horizon, we now turn our focus to prompting our behaviour to make those goals a reality. Remember, motivation isn’t enough. We need something more reliable to keep us on track.
An implementation intention is a conditional plan we set for ourselves that defines when, where and how we’ll carry out our intended behaviour. You may not realise it, but we already respond to these types of cues. For example, if it’s just before bedtime, chances are you’re in the bathroom cleaning your teeth. We may not always feel like it, but the cue is there that makes the act more automatic.
Studies show there’s a greater success rate in reaching our goals when we set cues to trigger our behaviour. Consider what behaviour you’ll need to progress your goals and give it a conditional plan, an ‘if-then’ scenario. Which activity, at what time, and in which physical location can you imagine carrying out?
For instance, say your goal is to write a book. You might determine that you could write each weekday morning from 05.00 – 06.00, on your laptop, in the kitchen, with a cup of coffee. Visualise it happening. The time and place become the triggers for the action, not your motivation or will power. If it’s 05.00 on a weekday, then you’re at your laptop in the kitchen with a cup of coffee working on your book.
Are more sales calls needed as part of your business goals? Imagine when and where you’ll make the calls? Perhaps you’ve decided to compete in an Ironman, visualise when and where you will train? Create the scenarios and let the cues prompt your actions.
Step 3 – Establish External Accountability
Let’s face it, we’re not always stellar at following through on certain actions when we rely on ourselves, even with the help of the implementation intentions from the point above. If no one else will know except you whether or not you lift a finger on any of those goals you’ve set for yourself, then you’ll want to set up a further safeguard for extra insurance.
Do yourself and your future success a favour by grabbing an accountability partner, or two. See my post “Why You Need An Accountability Partner” which goes into greater detail. Of course you’ll still have to execute the work, but the act of reporting your results each week to someone other than yourself is quite powerful. Consistency builds momentum, which will stand you in good stead towards reaching your targets, whether they’re personal or professional.
Keep a log of your progress and flag your diary for this time next year so you and your accountability partner(s) can bask in the glory of your amazing accomplishments.
For business-oriented goals, my advice is to join a Mastermind group. Personally I choose to benefit from both – I have Accountability Partners and am also in a Mastermind group, and I can vouch personally for the power of each. Consider which type of external accountability would help you succeed in your endeavours, and put it in place as soon as you can.
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What successes do you want to be toasting to this time next year?
Don’t waste time with meaningless resolutions. Pour your heart, soul and determination into a really good goal instead.
Here’s to your goals and to a satisfying, successful and abundant New Year!
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