This is usually the time of year when promises are made to change some aspect of ones personal life. Areas of improvement range from a thinner waist and better finances to more fulfilling relationships.
Unfortunately, similar to most new years resolutions, grandiose plans become backlogged and tucked away behind everyday life. Why is this? Why are people on fire at the start of each year just to fall back into old habits by the first day of spring?
Here's an idea. This writer proposes that new years resolutions should be renamed to new you proposals. New you proposals would require a detailed plan to accomplishing the goal one desires to attain in the new year. This would allow for more than the hope of a change, it would allow for a systematic action plan in the forming of a new you.
Here is a 7 step guide to putting the new you into the new year:
Step One: Write it down and make your vision plain.
Dreams become goals the moment you take the time to develop a clear and concise vision of your desired change. The goals are no longer a figment of your imagination. They now become an integral part of an altered reality. Hence, your dreams are now the primary catalyst to change.
Step Two: Research the possibilities.
The recent emergence of skinny jeans, high top fades, and aviator sunglasses has demonstrated the philosophy that there is nothing new under the sun. The same applies to your new years resolutions. In order to ensure that these resolutions lead to a new you, research others who have blazed a trail for you to follow. Determine if there's a system, blog, YouTube video, book, or Facebook page that you can learn from. Hook up to these resources and take notes concerning action steps you can take to achieve similar results.
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Step Three: Make a game plan.
Armed with your goals and fresh knowledge, craft a plan of attack that works for you. Despite the notion that there is indeed nothing new under the sun, you are an individual. You are unique. Take the time to create a plan that fits your lifestyle while achieving your desires. While the methods others use may not work for you, their success can certainly be a guide.
Step Four: Place friends and family on notice.
Whether you have resolved to lose weight or improve your finances, you have made a conscious decision to change something about your life. This decision is, at it's core, a promise to yourself to change an aspect of your behavior. Your friends and family deserve to be informed of these changes and advised of the implications regarding their own lives.
As you change, the people around you will be impacted. It's up to you to keep your promises, it's up to them to decide whether or not they want to walk with you on your journey. Do not allow pessimism to hold back your growth.
A weight loss goal may mean less fast food and healthy meal planning. Improving ones finances may require a tighter budget or a new business venture. Sharing your plans with family will not guarantee everyone jumps on board but doing so will certainly avoid negative shock-based reactions once changes are implemented.
Step Five: Build a team to help you reach your goals.
Every champion has a team. Gabrielle Douglas, Beyonce, Joel Osteen, Mark Zuckerburg, and Bill Gates have a team. These powerhouses each achieved massive success in their industries with the help of a team. No man is an island into himself and no one accomplished without a helping hand.
A coach, a friend with similar goals, or a service that helps you achieve your goals is essential. Having at least one additional person on "Team You" will multiply your chances of success.
6. Make room in your life for improvement.
Often, people will hold onto things they want to replace until new items have arrived. This mindset is antithetical to the concept of preparation. In order to prepare for a change, the old things have to be moved to create space for new.
For example, one doesn't wait to have more time to exercise. They make it. Sacrifices have to be in order to create the time needed to exercise. The same can be said for starting new relationships, changing careers, and saving more money.
7. Stay committed.
Your goals are set, plans have been made, your family notified, and a team is now in place. The most important step in this guide and in the pursuit of any goal is commitment.
Everything done up to this crucial step is merely preparation for the stage. No one is going to do it for you. Everyone will have something to say, but only one will have to live with the consequences of your decisions: you.
Make this year the year that the empty promises become milestones worthy of a Facebook mention, an 80's movie montage, and best of all- bragging rights for the man in the mirror.
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