Resolutions You Can Keep

Goal Setting In The New Year

Many are breathing a sigh of relief after the hectic holiday season, while others are feeling melancholy that it all came and went so quickly. But in most cases, people are now buckling down and becoming re-inspired to set some new goals and create resolutions that they can keep. Here some tips for accomplishing your goals once and for all.

Identify your priorities

You can’t do everything and you can’t focus on what everyone else is doing. What are the most important things to you right now? Others may be jumping on the fitness train, and that may be important to you too, but is it most important? Or is getting organized or finding a new career at the top of your list? Many people have wonderful intentions to get things done, but then quickly fail due to lack of focus. Paring down a list and identifying three major things you’d like to change is a good way to get focused and actually accomplish something that is important to you.

Once you have identified your priorities, set absolute goals and make a list of real action steps to make your way toward achieving those goals. Buy a notebook specifically for your new priorities and goals, and get busy putting them to paper. For example, if one of your priorities is to finally start paying your bills on time, create a page for that priority, set a goal related to that priority, and then list the actions steps such as ‘set up online banking’  ‘buy a bill pay organizer’ ‘pay bills every Thursday’ ‘buy folders for paid bills and receipts. Identify your goals and putting action steps in writing solidifies your plan to truly make it happen.

Plan to achieve

Set aside specific times to work on your goal in order to reach it. For example, if your goal is to get in shape by spring, plan to exercise four to five times and then commit to it. If you goal is to start a home based business while still working full-time, plan what evenings you will focus on your goal, and make a list of exactly what you will do during that time. Plan specific times to achieve your goals in your calendar, and keep those appointments with yourself as you would any appointment. Like ‘pay yourself first’—plan yourself first.

Use positive self-talk

State things in the positive to truly achieve. Instead of saying ‘I’m not going to eat carbs’ say ‘I’m going to make healthy choices about the way I eat.” Each time you are in a situation that tests your commitment to your goal, state the positive outcome you want to. Then make the choice. Using positive self-talk can help you make choices that bring you closer to your goal.

Margo Crawford is a Productivity Coach and Professional Organizer with Wave Productivity. She works with entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals to help them get more focused, organized and productive in their workplace. She coaches nationally by phone and in person in Phoenix, Providence and Boston. If you want to get more organized in your office call 602-677-8275 or email [email protected].