The beginning of the year is a perfect time for reflection and planning. Many of my clients, my innerOvation team and me personally have been doing just this.
I’d like to encourage you to ditch New Year’s Resolutions and instead focus on powerful goals for 2017 … and here’s why:
Studies show that only about 8% of people actually follow through when they set a New Year’s Resolution! Often because …
- Their resolutions come from a place of feeling inadequate and that they “should” do things differently.
- They describe their goals in generalities and are unclear about what success means.
- They try to accomplish too many things at once and get overwhelmed … and don’t finish anything.
- They don’t keep track of their progress or give themselves credit for successes.
- They think they need to use willpower to effort through the changes.
- They try to do things all by themselves with no help from others.
Any of these sound familiar to you?
How about taking a smarter, success oriented approach this year?
Here are 10 steps many of my clients have used to create more happiness, meaning and purpose (and success!) in their lives
- Write everything down!
Studies about goal success report that people are 50% more likely to achieve a goal once they can clearly identify and get it out of their head and down onto paper. Read them as often as you want to. Create a collage or vision board that inspires you!
2. Start with Your Successes!
Take a few minutes to review the past year and identify what you accomplished, what excited you and how you invested your time in ways that were meaningful. This gives you the energy to spark your creativity.
Coaching Exercise – Top 10 Experiences
- Make 2 columns on a piece of paper. On the left, write down the Top 10 Experiences you had in 2016. Those things that filled you with energy and made you the happiest. In the column on the right, now write down Why these were peak experiences. As you look down the list you will see your values emerge and also themes that you may want to carry into the new year.
- Identify any Gaps.
List any areas where you didn’t accomplish what you set out to do. What didn’t you achieve that you wish you had? What lessons did you learn?
- Expand Your Life Vision
Think about all the things you want to HAVE, DO or BE in your life. Let your mind think big. Even if you don’t know how to accomplish the vision that’s OK – let your creativity and inner wisdom inspire you.
Here are some coaching questions to get you started:
- What would you like MORE of in your life?
- What would you like LESS of in your life?
- What do you WANT in life, but don’t have?
- What do you HAVE in life, but DON’T want?
- What are you most excited about for the coming year?
- If you did nothing else in the next year, what 3 things would still make the year a success for you?
- Choose the Top 3-5 Life Areas that Excite You the Most
Pick the most important areas of your life that if you accomplished you would feel great. Get specific and write 3-5 goals (see below).
- Create SMART Goals
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-oriented
- Track Progress, Let Go of Perfection
Every accomplishment counts from the small to the large – keep track so you can see and realize that there is no perfect way of doing anything.
- Find an accountability buddy
It’s always easier when you have someone in your corner who is supporting your success. Enlist the help of a family member, friend or professional coach to help you stick to your intentions.
- Celebrate your successes every day
As you go through your day, or at the end, take a few minutes to reflect on what you achieved and really give yourself credit for it. This is the energy that will keep you moving forward.
- Practice Gratitude
For all that you are and all that you contribute to the world!!!
BONUS IDEA
Choose a theme or 3 words that will inspire you throughout the year. Check out marketing guru Chris Brogan’s blog for more info on this method: http://chrisbrogan.com/3words2017/
Need help figuring out your goals for 2017? Email me alicia@innerovation.com and let’s figure them out together!
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