According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February
It doesn’t really matter what these stats actually mean, they are just facts. So, below is my bulletproof plan for dealing with these stats.
I take my time with New Year resolutions. I have rarely set a resolution on New Year Eve or Jan 1st. I take this resolution setting malarkey very seriously and consequently a lot of good things in my life came from a New Year resolution.
December is always a crazy month. Usually I’m in London working, catching up with friends and clients and, of course, Christmas shopping! I travel to see my family for Christmas and travel back to London for New Year’s Eve. It’s always full on!
Things to consider when planning your goals and new year resolutions:
- Do it with a clear head. As December is my busiest month both work and personal, I let this month wash over me and concentrate on resting and replenishing. I indulge in exercise such as yoga, running and meditation to clear my mind and keep me creative.
- Treat the goal setting process as your hobby for a limited period. I usually give myself the whole of January to set my goals for the next quarter or year, sometimes even 3 years. This gives me enough time to play with ideas but doesn’t let it drag on too long.
- Think about the intention of a goal. The goal could be, pay off my credit card by the end of the year. But really, the intention is to be debt free by Dec 31st. You can pay off a credit card by going into your overdraft. Be clear about the intention.
- Buddy up with your list. Sit with it, really think about each goal, each intention. How does it make you feel?
- Decide where you are going to make sacrifices. Every goal will require some kind of sacrifice. Plan these in advance.
- Plan for resistance, for doubt, for failure. What are you going to do in these moments? Can you predetermine your mindset so you work on your goals even when you feel doubtful?
- Treat yourself as a brand or business. Write a manifesto which creates the framework for goals setting and ensures the goals are clashing. Eg one goal to travel more and one to save all your salary – how are you going to make that happen? Are the goals and manifesto aligned?
- Continuously refine your initial goals and resolutions until you are happy with the list and timescale to achieve them.
- Ensure you list is comprehensive with milestones, even planned celebrations throughout the year.
- Write from your future self. The version of who you are in one years time. What does she need which you need to start working on right now?
Manifesto example:
Here’s my manifesto from 2016:
‘Each month I will take the new and full moon evenings for myself.
Every day I will do one thing toward my relationships.
Every day I will do one thing that makes me a better finance professional and look for opportunities to add value.
Every day I will do one thing toward my hearts true desires.
Every day I will do one thing toward living in service and seek opportunities to give.
Every day I will remember those who are negative towards me must need my compassion.
Every day I will respect and safeguard my resources.
Every day I will strive to be less jealous of others, yes, including Megan’s new boat!
Every day I will accept, forgive and love myself.
Every day I will say a ‘Thank You’ prayer.
In 2016, I will allow the little voice inside of me to live her dream. It’s your turn lady, travel safely!’
Following this manifesto, I was able to create goals, one of them being embarking on a 3 year project to pay off my mortgage in full. I felt it was aligned to giving my future self some space to follow work opportunities more aligned to her hearts desires and focus on learning more at work for her clients.