A new year usually makes people think of new goals and new promises for change. We make resolutions about what we will do different or better. Even though we start out with the best of intentions, we usually end up letting those goals fall by the side. So, instead of making New Year’s resolutions this year, just list some ways you can start to reinvent you!! What do you want to do in 2013 to make yourself better? Maybe you want to raise your GPA, lose some weight, qualify for athletics, change your attitude, finish school, or whatever! We are going to make 2013 the year of REINVENTION!! Let’s get busy!
1. Think about what you need to change
What do you need to change in your life? What do you need to do that will help you be a better person, improve yourself in some way, or help you reach your goals? What are the things that you need to improve? What would you like to be different in your life 6 months or a year from now? Start thinking seriously about some things about you and your life that need to improve for 2013. Be honest with yourself. If you can’t think of anything, start asking some people close to you who you think will be honest and helpful. Everyone has something they can improve on or at. What is yours?
2. Make a list of your planned changes
Start working on those needs by making a list of the things that are wrong or that you have the ability to make better. Write down some things you need to change (no more than 5-10 things). More than 10 things to improve will be too many to be realistic. When you are writing down your needs, make sure that you write things that YOU have the power to change. Don’t write anything that others have control over. So for example, you can write that you want to improve your grade point average, that’s something you can do. But, don’t write that you want your family to stop fighting all the time. You may be able to help keep the peace, but that is something that requires someone else to work also. Nobody can complete your goals for you. Only you can do that!
3. Set goals for each item on your list
Now that you know what you need to change, you can start working on setting a goal for each item. Goals should be very easy and specific. For example: If you wrote that you need to have your own money, your goal may be “I want to get a job.” If you want to stop having so many issues with anger and other things, then your goal may be “I want to improve my attitude.” Remember, that everything should be very clear and simple. Don’t complicate your goals!
4. Write at least 2 steps that can help you reach each goal.
Keep it simple! Write clear steps that you can realistically obtain.
Example Goal: I want to get a job
Step 1: I will search the web, malls, and local stores for job openings.
Step 2: I will fill out at least 3 job applications per week until I get a job.
Example Goal: I want to improve my attitude
Step 1: I will listen to music to calm down when I’m angry.
Step 2: I will stop and think about possible consequences before reacting.
5. Get Busy!!
Now that you’ve gotten your goals and steps together, put them into action! Place them somewhere you can look at them often (like your mirror) so that you can be reminded often why you are working so hard.
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