How to Beat the Odds and STICK to Your NY Resolutions!

We all have the best intentions when we clink the glasses to kick off the New Year.  Let me guess, you want to lose weight, eat healthier, spend less or invest more into family and friends.  How did I do?  But the question is, are those resolutions that you are setting realistic?  According to the experts, about 40-50% of us make New Year’s resolutions, and just under half of those that are made are weight-loss related. But even the best laid plans don’t guarantee results.

Apparently only about 8% of us actually keep the resolutions throughout the year.  Ouch. Ok, so onto the front side of the energy map, how do we better the odds of success? With just over a week into the New Year, chances are you’re still on fire and impressing the pants off of yourself and everyone you know with your drive and determination.  After all, you JUST made the resolution(s)!  In business there is an acronym for setting goals that is frequently used, it is called setting a SMART objective (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Bound). In the spirit of the SMART objective, here are three tips to cross reference with the resolutions you made to see if they pass the test for staying power throughout the year:

1. Keep it short, simple and specific. Don’t compile a laundry list of things you are going to achieve in the year.  Set 2-3 goals and make them simple enough that you can actually achieve them!  And be specific.  No wishy washy ‘I want to get healthier’.  What does that mean to you?  What does that look like?
2. Be realistic.  Let’s be clear, realistic doesn’t mean mediocre.  But it does mean setting healthy achievable goals that you can still be proud of.  Stretch yourself (literally and figuratively), but don’t make goals that set you up for failure.
3. Stay accountable.  It’s easy to set a goal.  Rolling up your sleeves and figuring out how you will accomplish it is another thing altogether.  Make a plan and set mini-goals to help you map out your journey, including constant reminders and little celebrations along the way.  Keep these goals logged in your daily agenda, on your fridge or in any place that won’t get lost in the busy shuffle we call life.

As for me, I resolve to get more sleep by going to bed earlier and not taking my iPhone or computer to bed (as tempting as that is sometimes, such a comfy place to browse but NOT recommended!) and get better at planning my schedule ahead of time with more detail, and in a more obvious spot (shared calendar on the fridge so my better half isn’t always saying ‘you didn’t tell me THAT!’).  I know that better planning of my work and other tasks will also help me plan more down time to have FUN!

What are your resolutions and how are you doing so far?  How have you done in the past?  I would love to hear from you!

Happy New Year and good luck! xo