"If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time," the old saying goes. In many of my past lives I have avoided New Year's resolutions for that very reason--I prefer the 100% success rate of non-goal setting. But as I am growing up, I'm learning that a goal or a purpose is pretty necessary. The poll in the side bar says that 51% of you intend to make and keep a New Year's resolution. Hurray for you! Here are some tips for you while your trying to make and keep those resolutions.
#1 The goal must be specific (not "loose weight," rather "join Weight Watchers and follow the program with the ultimate goal of loosing 10% of my body weight)
#2 The goal should be attainable and consider circumstances that may be out of your control (not "teach my child to read," rather "spend daily time intentionally instructing my child")
#3 If you have a big goal, break it into smaller chunks and re-evaluate the situation throughout the year. (My long term running goal is to run 480 miles this year and get down to a consistent 8 minute mile. That's going to take forever!! So I broke it down to running 120 miles by March 31st and 9 minute miles. Once March 31st rolls around, I can look at my progress so far and see how it compares to where I want to be. My next goal will reflect any adjustments necessary to reach that long term goal).
#4 Write down your plan and read it daily. Keeping the goal clearly in focus keeps you motivated and aware of where you are relative to attaining your goal.
#5 Don't be afraid to re-adjust your goals if something that seemed reasonable at the time turns out not to be.
#6 Make yourself accountable. Share your goals with your husband, a trusted friend, or everyone on the internet and give them permission to ask you how you're doing!
And now that the ground rules are set, here are a couple of my 2009 Resolutions.
Goal: Remember my family's birthdays and send birthday cards ON TIME. Plan: use the birthday calendar from Gordon to keep track of birthdays and send cards three days before the birthday. Have cards, stamps and addresses on hand at all times.
Goal: Run 120 miles by March 31st at a consistent 9 minute mile. Plan: Run 3 miles a day 3 days a week at the gym and run faster!
Happy planning to you all!
2 comments:
Fantastic. I'm inspired!
You inspired me too, but the vague ones are so much easier... but think of all I could have accomplished if I had been that disciplined, now I'm depressed!
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