Do you make New Year’s Resolutions with the best of intentions only to find that your enthusiasm fades as fast as the holiday season? Are you afraid to make another resolution for fear history will repeat itself yet again, and you’ll be no further ahead than if you didn’t bother at all?
Check out these five big mistakes and how to avoid them. You’ll be well on your way to successfully achieving your goals.
Mistake #1 – Making a resolution or goal because you think you should, rather than one that is really important to you. You can tell these goals quite easily because they often contain the word “should”. You say, “I should, ought to, better” Also, these statements tend to be your solution or process to achieving the goal, not the goal itself. For example, Your true goal may be to look trim and healthy, but you say, “I’m going to lose 50lbs.”
Solution: Ask yourself, “Why do I feel I should do this? Is this goal truly important to me? Is this something I really want? Or do I feel pressured by others? If the goal isn’t what you want, chances are you won’t accomplish it or stick with it. In that case, ask yourself what you do want and set another goal.
Mistake#2- Setting too large or ambitious a goal without placing milestones on the way to achieving that goal. Before you reach your goal you get overwhelmed or discouraged, and quit.
Solution : Set mini-goals within your larger goal. This allows you to establish smaller, easier habits that you are more likely to stick with. Since these goals will be reached within a shorter time frame, you will have many opportunities to realize and appreciate your achievements on the way to your larger goal.
Mistake#3- Failing to have a plan. You know what you want, but have no real idea how you are going to accomplish it.
Solution : Explore your options, educate yourself, and set up a system before you start. Take some time to map out a plan complete with mini-goals and a schedule. In a plan book or calendar, write a reasonable daily “to do” list. Check off each item as you complete it. This creates a sense of accomplishment and a reminder of your successes so far. Setting up your system can be your first mini-goal. You may want to build a reward system into your plan if that helps you stay motivated.
Mistake#4- Failure to be flexible. You get discouraged if you fall off the wagon or don’t keep up with your plan.
Solution: Acknowledge that life happens. Allow your plan to be flexible, allow for failure. Failure to reach a goal or mini-goal is not a reason to quit. Figure out what isn’t working and why. Are you asking too much of yourself? Do you need to make changes to your plan or goal? Make modifications and try again. Every step in the direction you want to go is better than no steps at all. Keep at it.
Mistake#5- Going it alone. For any number of reasons you decide you must do this by yourself and for yourself.
Solution: We all benefit from the support and expertise of others at times. Working with a support group can help you stay motivated and accountable. A coach, trainer or other professional can help you move past your blocks and teach you skills that will save you lots of time and energy in the long run. Knowing that someone is there for you can make all the difference as you work to achieve success.
Bonus tip: Do you have a New Year’s goal? Share it in the comments box below. Putting your goal in writing and sharing it with the world will help you solidify it.