It’s That Time Of Year....Again

Well, it’s that time of year again. Time to make those New Year’s resolutions. I will lose weight. I will exercise more. I will save more money. I will leave this dead end job and start my own business. Does any of this sound familiar? Will you end 2008 with regret because you didn’t accomplish what you set out to do at the beginning of the year or will you make the decision now to make a change? How can you improve your chances for success this year?

Here is my New Year’s resolution. I will not make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I have set a few specific, realistic, attainable, and measurable goals for my life and my business. These goals are set in several areas - financial, health, business, family/social, personal development, spiritual, and fun/recreation. Be aware of where you are currently in each of these areas and decide where you want to be in 30 days, one year, three years, and five years.

Ideally you will set your goals prior to the beginning of the year but it is never too late. So, how do you get started? Here are five tips that will help you.

1. Set aside an hour in the next three days and just get it done. There is no other way to get the clarity and focus that is needed to reach your goals other than simply doing the work and putting in the time. Don’t procrastinate on this because you think you are not clear enough on what you want. It is important to be clear on what you want but it is more important to just get started. Remember your goals are not set in stone. Sometimes they will need to be adjusted or they will change as your life or business changes.

2. Writing down your goals will dramatically increase your chances of success. Write your goals on 3 x 5 index cards that you can keep on your desk within easy reach so you can review them every day first thing in the morning.

3. Have a strong “why” for attaining your goal. Having a strong “why” will give you the determination and perseverance you will need to reach your goal in addition to giving you more focus. Ask yourself what drives you. What makes you get up in the morning? It is very important to determine your motivation for achieving a specific goal.

4. Don’t set yourself up for failure before you even get started. Make sure the goals you are setting are realistic and attainable. This is not to say you shouldn’t dream big but at the same time make sure this is something you will do and something you can do.

5. Set a specific and realistic date for accomplishing your goal. Without a specific date, it is highly unlikely that you will ever reach your goal.

Live your life on purpose, Write down your goals and start taking steps today to reach them. Align your goals with you passions. Visualize yourself at the end of this year with a feeling of success, accomplishment, and elation. Have fun, relax, and enjoy the journey.