I know, I know, it is New Year’s Eve and it everyone is asking you what your resolutions are for the coming year. I don’t have any and come to think of it, I never have been one to make them. I have seen it year after year at the gym. It is packed from the first of the year until about February and then it really slacks off.
I am sure that it is that way for most resolutions. Why? They are usually made with the best of intentions. What happens between the declaration and the actual resolution? Maybe the goal was not specific enough. This one is usually for losing weight and working out/going to the gym. Did you remember to state the amount of weight you are going to lose and by when? You have to be specific and it has to have a time table. Just like at work you need to set SMART goals.
S – Specific (simple, specific, significant)
M – Measurable (meaningful, motivating to you)
A – Achievable (doable, attainable)
R – Realistic (relevant, reasonable, results-based)
T – Time based (time limited, by when)
If you would like to set a goal for yourself, then by all means go for it. Get specific and write it down. Have an accountability partner to support you, not to nag you. Small steps, this is a marathon and not a sprint. You will mess up, it is okay. Have a plan in place for when you mess up. I say just start where you are and go forward. Celebrate your successes. Focus on the present and what one thing you are doing today to help you achieve your goal. Change your thought processes. If you ever hear yourself saying, “I can’t,” or “I failed at…,” stop right there. It is okay that you failed, that means that you really did try and maybe you can’t right now but soon you will be able to because you kept working on your goals. You’ve got this!
