How many of us have created New Year resolutions before and watched them wither away
moments after the New Year sprung. The new gym membership falls into disuse come
February; items forbidden from the new diet sneak back into the pantry by March. Even goals to
work less and spend more time with friends and family seem to fall as soon the holiday is over
and your emails start piling up in your inbox.
Is it an issue of an inherent inability to achieve the things you want? No, it is probably to do with
the approach you adopted to setting your goals.
Let me start by telling you that several researches support the idea that new start of a calendar
year usually spurs initiation and excitement. Researchers call it the “fresh start effect” – which
basically mean that certain days and dates serve as temporal landmarks. What they mean by
that is that just as physical landmarks can serve as demarcations of important places, these
dates would then be the demarcation between a past self, who might have failed to meet goals
and the present self, who is now determined to pursue these new goals.
This idea of a new self excites me very much and so I set out looking for more efficient and
effective ways to create resolutions that would not leave me disheartened and resentful toward
myself and the world when I fail to succeed in my endeavors. To start, let me remind you and
myself that if one person has accomplished the same feat we’re setting out for, then it’s possible
for us to accomplish the same. Statistical probability confirms this. Another thing to consider is
that answers now come with a click of a finger, however, personal development requires more
time than that. So let’s not take on too much too soon to the extent it becomes overwhelming to
us.
Let’s begin:
Step One: Stick to the Simple
Just because we are now so used to multitasking and sprinting about in such a degree we’re not
able to keep up, does not mean that this is the same approach we will adopt to fulfil those goals.
Remember, we are now conditioned to chase more success and rapid evolution that does not
require sitting in meditation or expressing gratitude. Even ancient teachings guide us to do one
thing at a time until we master it. Only then are we permitted to move to the next lesson. Those
of us who practice yoga know very well how every new posture (asana) is a gift from your
teacher that you only unlock once you have mastered the posture you already have.
The problem with going hard and fast right out from the start is that we are unable to sustain the
energy necessary to maintain the momentum and we crash hard. And before we know it, we are
on the couch with a bucket of ice cream and Netflix series hoping to ‘recharge’ before we resign
ourselves back to the worn-out routine we were so entrenched in the year before.
Step Two: Aim Big but Be Realistic
Of course, we should dream big. The very fact that we woke up today means that our existence
in this world is needed and the contribution we can bring though fulfilling our purpose in life
constantly get woven into the fabric of humanity. So yes, we shall dream big but what we want
to do here is set up a realistic action plan to create a steady and consistent momentum to get
there.
Step Three: Connect With Your Big Why
Let’s look at one thing you want to do in the new year. Now begin to explore your initial
inspiration. Will it help you to evolve in your relationships or maybe grant you social status?
What is your inspiration? What is your why? Knowing where the initial spark came from and why
it’s meaningful to you will be the driving force behind you getting there.
Step Four: Check your Mindset
If this plan is ever to work, we need to check our mindset. As a coach, you already know that
your mindset and beliefs have a direct impact on your life. In this context, it also has a direct
impact on you sustaining your initial motivation to move on this goal. You must carry within you
the belief that the result is possible, that your mental efforts will result in acceptable
performance and action and that the performance and action will lead to your desired result or
reward.
Step Five: Line up Your Dominoes
Now that you have set your goals, connected to your big why while believing that you can truly
reach the outcome you aspire, it is time to set up a realistic action plan. The idea is to get you
working on one thing at a time to build a steady climb.
Here is where you set your milestones, which are critical benchmarks that indicate you’ve made
progress and you’re tracking toward your desired outcome. Milestones are specific targets you
hit along the way. To make them more fun, consider setting up a reward system for yourself so
that when you reach a milestone you’re able to celebrate in some way.
Step Six: Get Moving
What are you waiting for? This is the big moment where you’ve set your target, you’ve identified
your benchmarks, and how you will celebrate as you get closer. It’s time to roll up your sleeves
and get to work. This is where people often fall off because you’ve gotten lazy or complacent
and are already in the habit of saying “I’ll do it later.” That, or you’ve piled on too much at once.
While looking at your milestones, identify one action, practice, or support structure you can put
in place that will slowly condition you to build strength, stamina, focus, and momentum. Do this
while keeping your dreams and aspirations in clear view in front of you – keep them alive! Then
DO it!
