It´s that time of year again. When we drag out last year’s resolutions and find that we have achieved none of them. Statistics show that by March, nearly 90% of our well-intentioned goals are abandoned. What can we do to stop that from happening this year?
The first step is to decide what your goals are for the year and list them. Plan to set goals in all the areas of your life that are important to you. Next, break those goals down into smaller targets so that you can map a road of achievement that can clearly be measured. For example, if one of your goals is to run the New York City Marathon, plan a realistic weekly exercise routine to begin building up your endurance. Once you have achieved that goal, begin running smaller, local runs such as a 10K race or a half-marathon. Before you know it, you will be running the streets of New York!
Make sure you set realistic, attainable goals. Studies show that it takes about 6 weeks for adults to form a new habit. Set the first six weeks as your first milestone.
You can use the following list to help you write down what goals you have. You may not use all of them, but even small achievements in each of these areas will help enrich your life. On a separate sheet of paper, write down your goal for that area. Put in dates, times and starting points so that you can begin to measure your success. Next, prioritize them and get started!
Career What would I like to achieve this year regarding my vocation? Do I want to start my own business? Do I want to work towards getting that promotion?
Family/Personal Life
List each person important to you, and what you’d like to accomplish with each—spouse/partner, children, siblings, parents, in-laws, friends. Remember, these are goals you’re setting for yourself, not for them.
Finances
What is my personal savings goal? What bills do I want to pay off?
Education
Are there classes I want to take? Do I want to further my education?
Physical
Do I want to lose weight? Exercise more regularly?
Personal
Do I need to change a certain attitude or habit?
Spiritual Life This could include attending a house of worship, a daily devotional reading, participating in a mission project, and so on.
Community Is there public service or volunteer work I want to do?
Once you have your goals set, share them with your family and friends so they know what you are trying to achieve and enlist their support and encouragement. Allow others to hold you accountable to your plan. Most of all enjoy the journey towards your achievement.
