It's Time to Celebrate the New Year so it's Time to Set New Goals!

“Goals. There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. There’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them.”
Jim Rohn

Being that we are about to begin a New Year, many of us will be making New Year resolutions to try and better our selves in many different aspects of our lives. I saw recently in a news article that 92% of people who set New Year resolutions do not accomplish them. This is shocking, but I realize I have been among the 92% on more than one occasion. The following are some tips to help us stay the course and reach our goals once they have been set this coming year.

1. Develop a Plan.

Most goals take time and discipline to accomplish, thus we must develop a plan to reach these goals. If the goal is a long-range goal, think of steps you will need to achieve along the way and then set milestones that will allow you to monitor progress and give you a sense of accomplishment.

2. Create Accountability and Measure Progress

Hold yourself responsible for your goals and frequently measure your progress. Creating methods and setting aside time now for when you will measure your progress and evaluate how you are doing throughout the year is important. Additionally, determine strategies of how you will make up for and overcome setbacks and a lack of progress along the way. Doing this will help you stay focused and motivated to reach your goals.

3. Reminders

We all need reminders to help us keep our eye on the prize. Find ways that will keep your goals fresh on your mind and that will help motivate you on a daily basis. Some ideas may include writing your goals on your calendar each day, having a post-it note on your computer monitor, or taping a note card on your bathroom mirror. Think of easy and effective ways you can remind yourself on a daily basis of the goals you have set for the year.

4. Reward Yourself

Determine now how you will reward yourself for making progress and for ultimately achieving your goals. Each time you measure your goals and you find you are on track or even ahead of schedule, reward yourself. Also, decide how you will reward yourself when the goal is finally accomplished.

I encourage all to set aside some time to set goals during this time of year. These goals should include different parts of your life such as professional, family, and personal goals. Goals will help you be a better you this coming year, and following the above steps will assist you in achieving your goals—putting you among the 8% who actually realize their goals. It’s time to celebrate a new year so it’s time to set some new goals. You can do it! Have a wonderful, prosperous, and goal-oriented New Year!