Keeping Resolutions on Track

Now that you are at least a week into your New Year’s resolutions, it is time to access and evaluate that simple question put forth so famously by Dr. Phil, “How’s that working for ya?”  Resolutions fail for one basic reason – lack of action. In most cases, that missing component is what crumples your dreams and goals for the new year. So, if your resolutions have already gone by the wayside, imagine, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and allow yourself a second chance on making them happen. Following these three steps can get you back on the plan and move you to action.

#1 Create Desire – evaluate your resolution and make sure you are doing it for yourself and not to please another. Imagine yourself daily, doing, being or having that which you desire. Put up pictures or notes to remind you specifically of what you want. It was said that Bruce Jenner, former Olympic decathlon winner, cut his head out of a photo and placed it in another photo on top of the head of the previous gold medal  winner so he could see himself wearing the gold. Or, perhaps you could make up a chant or mantra statement that you repeat several times a day and before you go to sleep. Remember to keep it positive, like, “I make healthy food choices” instead of, “I don’t eat junk food anymore.”  Your statements and self talk should always be around what you want versus what you don’t.

#2  Enlist in the help of others to stay on task – look at your resolution and ask yourself, “Who has already accomplished this?” or “Who could best help make this happen for me?” It feels really good to be of service to others. You can make someone’s day by asking for their assistance. This is especially helpful if you want to take up running or join a health club. Another person can encourage you to exercise on days when you would talk yourself out of it. There are also lots of blogs and online information you can tap into for motivation, ideas, and reasons to stay resolute. Make sure the person you are enlisting is qualified, positive and motivated about your success. A doom and gloomer will only bring you down. A person who says, “I don’t believe in resolutions, they never work”, is obviously not a good choice.

#3 Create a “baby steps” plan of action – remembering that lack of action is the primary killer of resolutions will help you understand the importance of this step. Get a journal and brainstorm everything you can think of that will help you with your resolution. Think big and small, easy and challenging, and who might be best suited to help you. Then, make a list of things you can realistically do daily that will ensure your success. For example, if your goal is to write a book this year, then commit to writing a premise by a certain date,  then some sample chapters by a another date, and then querying  publishers or agents. Make a promise to write x-amount of minutes daily, or to complete x-amount of raw written pages a week. With baby steps, any resolution can be accomplished, one action at a time. According to Sir Edmund Hillary, the climb to the top of Mount Everest was accomplished one step at a time. 

Famous motivational coach Anthony Robbins says that we are motivated by pain or pleasure. Creating desire will help move us toward or goals in a pleasurable way. This is why it is important to seek out experienced, motivating people to help us along the way. Evaluating your resolutions is the first step in making them happen. When you continue to take action, you will soon be able to see and learn things you never knew existed when you were stuck in your rut. So, there is no time like the present to get going with desire, support and a plan of action. Make 2010 a happening year because you can.