If you are one of those people who sit down in December and make a list of things you’re going to do differently in the next year, or how you’re going to change, or how you’re going to lead in business more…stop right now! Lists – or as most people call them in December, “resolutions” – are useless without proper focus and a deliberate mindset. Once you have those two things, you still need to develop action plans. But wait, you’re not done yet. What about executing your plans? Scary, isn’t it?
This year, I am challenging you to try something new. If you’re willing to do that, continue on with me. If you’re not, good luck with your lottery ticket! You see, I don’t like seeing busy people waste their time and energy on activities that are fruitless. Do you realize that less than 1% of the people that make New Year’s Resolutions execute on them.
This week, I’m going to share a few reasons why resolutions don’t work, and the following week, I’ll share a few more. I will then introduce you to a system and process that really work. My goal here is to get you to move over to a system of progress, not one of change. Wouldn’t you be much happier if you had plans that you continued to execute on because you consistently see progress? Of course, you would.
Let me tell you why I believe most people fail at this type of setting resolutions process:
1. They get too greedy with their resolutions.
Don’t take on too many big ticket resolutions. What most people end up doing is stretching themselves too thin, and they end up making no progress at all. I have found that the best approach is to pick a few biggies and a few smaller resolutions; then, spread the execution of these throughout the year. Don’t start them all on January 1st!
2. They don’t make their resolutions personal.
Get personal! What will it mean to you if you can achieve these goals? How will you feel when you achieve them? If you can’t give clear answers to these questions, chances are you don’t want them badly enough to execute on them all year. Get clear about the significance of your resolutions…crystal clear!
3. They actually don’t write them down.
Can you believe this? How can you be crystal clear if you don’t even write down your goals for the year? If you don’t write them down, they will always remain vague ideas and plans. Normally, that equals poor to no results at all. Write them down, and your chances of succeeding are much higher.
4. They don’t make their resolutions visual.
Even people who write them down rarely create an environment where they are less likely to forget about their goals. Put your resolutions in a place where you will be able to see them frequently. Put them in several places. I keep mine in my portfolio, in my computer, on my desk, and in my kitchen. I also carry a handy little planner that I supply to each person who attends my quarterly strategy sessions. Everybody loves them because they can fit in a guy’s pocket or a gal’s purse. Often, I see clients out and about, and they always flash their little planner at me.
Next week, we will continue on the same path.
Share your comments below about what absolute progress and success you will commit to in 2014. Thanks and have a great week!
