Did you know eighty percent of people’s New Year’s resolutions fail? Because of people’s lack of ability to follow through New Year’s resolutions have received a bad reputation.
However, there is a reason why most resolutions don’t work and there is a way to make sure yours do.
2019 had its challenges but it was also a year of incredible growth for me. I started my blog and business, I wrote consistently, I read more books than last year (I like to compete with myself), and I ended the year in better physical shape than when it started.
I’ve had years though where I’ve accomplished hardly any of my resolutions/goals. So, what made this year any different?
I credit this year’s success to following these principles.
Be Specific
People tend to be too broad with their New Year’s Resolutions writing things like, “I want to get in shape” or “grow intellectually.” If you aren’t specific with what you want; your results won’t be specific either. Instead of, “I want to get in shape,” it could be “I want to lose 15 pounds. I will do this by going to the gym every Monday.” Instead of “I want to grow intellectually,” it could be “I want to read a book every two weeks. I will do this by reading thirty minutes before bed every night.”
Make a Doable plan
Going along with being specific is making a doable plan. Instead of thinking big, think small. Break down all the steps it will take to bring your goal to pass and then schedule when you will do each step.
Answer the questions: How? and When?
If you want to go on a cruise this year you will need to decide what cruise line to go with and your destination. You might need to save money. Write out how you will save money. For example, by only going out to eat once a month. Schedule time to do research for the trip.
The more you break down the process the easier it is going to be to get where you want to go.
Keep it Before your Eyes
One reason I think so many of my goals happened this year is because I was constantly seeing them and rehearsing them. It’s easier to accomplish goals you can remember.
Here are the ways I make sure to keep my goals fresh on my mind.
Goal Book
According to research, less than three percent of Americans have written goals.
I have a book specifically dedicated to my goals for the year. I keep the list to no more than ten. These are the ten things that are the most important to me to get done in the year. I’ll put pictures and scriptures with the goals and list out the smaller, actionable steps I need to achieve the goal.
Planner
I am slightly obsessed with planners. I enjoy them so much. The planner I personally use is this one from Cultivate What Matters. It's worth every penny.
It has a section where you write out your goals and then you can review them every season. It also has a section to track your habits and progress every week.
Vision Board
A vision board is a board with images and words that are representations of what you want in your future. Consistently, viewing the vision you have for your future increases your faith to believe it is attainable.
Keep Yourself Encouraged
It’s easy at the beginning of the year to be pumped about all you will do in the next year but those excited emotions quickly wear off. That’s why it’s important to keep yourself encouraged throughout the year. You can do this by attending conferences, listening to podcasts, and reading motivational content like this. Click here for a post about becoming your biggest cheerleader!
Get Other People Involved
Having other people involved in what you are doing is huge for accountability.
When we commit to another person we are more likely to follow through then when we commit only to ourselves.
Join a group centered around what you want to do or tell a trustworthy friend about what you are working on and ask them to continually check in. If you are looking for accountability, I also suggest joining our You Are a Creative Force Facebook page.
A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something so don’t be half-hearted in what you do.
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. – James 1:8
Commit yourself and you will be on your way to having resolutions that happen.
I’m believing with you that this will be your best year yet!