New Year’s Resolutions That Stick
Did you know that 91% of people will not achieve their New Year’s Resolutions based on prior years (Inc. Magazine)? This is one of the reasons it’s challenging for me to embrace the traditional idea of resolutions. Not only does it feel unsustainable, but it can also be a method of postponing changes we could (and probably should) start working on immediately.
Instead of focusing on small habits for my “resolutions”, I like to set goals rooted in the bigger picture and create actionable steps I need to take to bring them to fruition. In any of the following areas listed below, SMARTIES goals can be a great starting point for creating an actionable plan to evolve once you narrow in on your key focus areas. Here are the broad categories of life we’re going to look at…
Personal
This is where lifestyle, health, and fulfillment come into play in your personal life and often requires the most boundary work since “balance” is not as common these days. Reflect on ways you can shut down after work to be present with family, what your dream morning routine looks like, and any health goals you may have.
Questions to reflect on:
How can I make my life more intentional?
What do I wish my life to be on a day-to-day basis?
Where am I compromising and how do I fill those gaps?
Professional
Most of us spend a large portion of our lives at work yet the satisfaction rate in the workplace is astonishingly low. Often, the people I talk to struggle to pinpoint the root of their discontentment… let alone an action plan to overcome it! When thinking about what you want your career to look like, do not let fear get in the way of innovation even when it feels risky.
Questions to reflect on:
What are new skills I want to learn and how can I educate myself?
Who are the industry leaders and professionals I strive to connect with?
How can I be a team player and leader in my organization?
Is it time to make an action plan to transition companies or pursue a different role?
Social
No matter how much of an independent thinker you are, the people in your life truly do shape you. Some people show up as advocates for our decisions while others can be detractors of our goals.
An evaluation usually used when coaching teens, the “green, yellow, or red stoplight” strategy can be a great way to assess how much you should be investing your energy into your relationships.
Here’s how it works:
Green: These friends share a lot of mutual values while also pushing you to pursue more in a caring way. There is a natural sense of trust and freedom for honesty in communication. When push comes to shove, these people show up to support you no matter what.
Yellow: This category of friends is supportive, loyal, and kind. However, while you can trust their intentions are pure, there is a lifestyle gap that could lead you down the path of habits if you’re not careful. You can still value the relationship mutually without compromising by keeping some distance in comparison to green-light friends.
Red: These individuals are blatantly detracting from your overall success while draining your energy in their path. You may feel responsible to help but it’s vital to keep your boundaries protected. With love and empathy, these are people you need to detach yourself from unless things can take a turn.
Of course, all of these categories are starting points for YOUR unique goals. Once you spend some time reflecting, start dropping your unique life objectives beneath them (pro tip: embrace the mess of the brainstorming!).
If you’re struggling to pinpoint the changes you need to make and develop a roadmap for achieving your goals, please get in touch so we can explore if one-on-one coaching could be a good fit. Having an aligned coach was the catalyst for change in my life and could be the next step for you as well.
Keep rockin’,
Dave
Ingredients
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Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
