First…write your goals down. By writing them out on paper, they are real in black and white. No fudging them. No emotions. Make sure they are attainable and can be measured with a very specific time frame, plan of action and with particular names and dollar or amounts where possible. This way each goal is clear and not judging you. You’ll see from the list what I mean.
Second, tell someone close to you that you have goals. Give them the list and have them accountable to ask you about each one. Words are just words. But if that someone has permission from you to inquire, to bother you, nag you and require you to explain your actions and progress for each goal than you can reach success with your own support buddy. This person would be like having your own personal cheerleader. Franklin Covey in the Seven Habits for Highly Effective People said that having a support system is crucial when goal setting is the process and success is the outcome.
Third, visualize your goals as if you have already attained them. These three actions can make a world of difference between just having a goal and making it a reality as you live 2010 day by day.
1. Get out of debt.
Find out your current financial status. Review the numbers. How much money do you have coming and how much is going out?. Find independent government sponsored assistance like consolidating debt counselors and the like for advice where you live.
2. Make more money.
Be specific with an amount, a way how, and when to reach it by. For example: make extra $200 a week by finding a part time job in one month.
3. Save more money.
Give exact amount, a way to save and by what time you’ll achieve this. For example: buy only one specialty coffee a week, down from your regular five times a week. Look for a financial planner or investment counselor to help.
4. Get Healthier.
Exact pounds, how you’ll do it and by what time. Have a backup plan just in case you fall off the wagon. Get a weight loss journal detailing your diet plans and exercise schedule.
5. Sleep More.
Find ways to cut obligations either real or perceived to get seven more hours a week to sleep. And have a plan in place by February 1st, 2010.
6. Build or let go of certain friendships.
Be specific with whom, how and when.
For example; I need to spend more time with Mom, Uncle Joe, Debbie and Jack. I will spend time visiting one of them at least once a month starting February 15th, 2010.
7. Keep your job interesting for you.
Pinpoint areas that need help and can be applied in your work or even for your mind. For example, brainstorm for ways to make your job livable including have a fulfilling after-work life to regenerate your energy to go to work the next day. Be specific with a timeframe and follow up on your progress with a journal or analysis of how it is working. It also can be learning new ways to appreciate your job given so many people have lost theirs.
8. Volunteer.
Be specific: where, doing what and for how long. It can be for money, time or items you can give or locate for a charity or an at home alone senior on your street who needs his/her driveway shoveled during the winter months.
9. Do something wild or learn something new.
Be specific as to what, how and when. For example: try white water rafting by July, 2010 in the Rockies with a group of strangers from an outdoor club. Or enroll in a cooking class for French cuisine by April, 2010 and make a meal for your lover one week after graduating.
10. Get closer to understanding your self.
What moves you? What do you want from life and when are you going to do something about it? Be specific about learning about yourself. The more you know the more your own life will be easier to live.
Happy New Year everyone. We wish you all the best with your resolutions for 2010.
