Resolving to Succeed: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions
As the year draws to a close, and the fresh, hopeful air of a new beginning fills the air, many of us find ourselves drawn to the allure of New Year’s resolutions. We set ambitious goals, dream of transformative changes, and envision a brighter future. What goals are you planning for the next year?
The Resolution Paradox
Despite our best intentions, New Year’s resolutions often fall by the wayside, leaving us feeling deflated and discouraged.
A study by the University of Scranton found that only 8% of individuals successfully achieve their resolutions.
No More New Year’s Resolutions: A Study of Goal Pursuit Across the Ages
J.L. Norcross & J.C. Wagner. (2013). Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, 70(6), 551-560.
Understanding the Psychology of Resolutions
The reason for this high rate of failure lies in our approach to resolutions. We often set unrealistic, overly ambitious goals, leading to feelings of overwhelm and discouragement. Additionally, we lack the strategies and support systems to make meaningful changes in our lives.
Embracing Realistic, Sustainable Transformation
The key to achieving our resolutions lies in setting realistic, achievable goals that align with our values and lifestyle. We need to create a supportive environment, surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, and develop the necessary habits and skills to make our goals a reality.
5 Proven Strategies for New Year’s Resolution Success
- SMART Goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. This ensures that your goals are clear, attainable, and aligned with your overall objectives. You can find more about this in our previous blog Goal Setting for Coaches
- Start Small: Break down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the journey seem less daunting and provides you with a sense of accomplishment as you progress.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use a tracking app to monitor your progress. This helps you stay motivated and identify areas where you need to adjust your approach.
- Find a Support System: Surround yourself with friends, family, or online communities who share your goals and can provide encouragement and support.
- Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This reinforces positive behavior and keeps you motivated to continue.
Overcoming Resolution Challenges
As a coach and business owner, I’ve had my struggles with procrastination and perfectionism. I would set ambitious goals for myself, only to find myself overwhelmed and paralysed by self-doubt. This would often lead to slow progress and quite a bit of stress!
However, I learned that setting smaller, more manageable goals was key to making progress. I also discovered the power of breaking down large projects into smaller tasks and celebrating each completed step. So many people could benefit from taking these small but gradual steps because they build up. For example, you can read a 200 page in less than 3 weeks book by setting aside 15 minutes every morning to read 10 pages. That works out to be about 18 books per year, not bad!
With time and effort, I’ve developed a system that works for me. I now approach work with a sense of excitement and accomplishment, and I’m well on my way to achieving my goals. Perhaps part of your resolution is to build a system to help you achieve it also.
Conclusion: Reframing Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be a source of stress and disappointment. By approaching them with a sense of realism, creating a supportive environment, and developing the necessary strategies, we can transform our resolutions into achievable goals that lead to lasting personal growth and transformation.
So, ditch the unrealistic expectations and embrace the journey of growth and self-discovery. With a bit of planning, perseverance, and support, you can make your resolutions a reality and create a life that aligns with your deepest desires.
So, I will ask you again, What are your goals for the next year?
If you’re ready to overcome your limiting beliefs and become a successful coach, I encourage you to attend one of our 1-Day Coaching Diplomas to start your coaching journey. It’ll help you to develop a plan to achieve your goals and build a successful coaching business. You can also find our beginners guide to becoming a coach here.
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