The dreaded New Year’s resolution ‘season’ is upon us.  Although it is well intentioned to have a New Year’s Resolution and probably is one that will make you a better person, it is hard to keep.  According to a US News and World report; nearly 80% of all resolutions will fall to the wayside by the end of February and only 8% are successful by year’s end. 

When it is time to set your resolution, think of them in a different term.  As athletes we use goal setting as a primary tool for our training.  We set them and make them precise, but fluid.  I would change your verbiage from a New Year’s Resolution to a New Year’s Goal.  This will help the process seem more concrete than the resolutions that have a 92% fail rate.

Next, change the time frame from a New Year’s Goal to 4 New Years Goals.  Break the year up into 4 90 day sections.  Start with your first 90 day goal being precise and clear.  Your next three can be precise and clear also, but make sure they are revisited and revised(if needed) before the next 90 day ‘year’ starts.    Yes, I know there are five extra days in the year, but you may need them for emergencies.  

Don’t be wishy washy with your goal.  Write down your intentions and make sure you are confident with what you have on paper(or digital).  Use direct language like I will, when, how much and why.  Writing your goal helps you to sharpen your intentions and also creates a reminder.  Nearly half of people that make New Year’s resolutions forget what they resolved the previous year.  Keeping a record will at least help you remember.

When writing your goals, identify obstacles in the path of meeting these goals.  This will help you plan for events, people, etc they come in the way and how to respond to keep on your goal path.  Work, children, time are a couple of examples that come to mind right away.  Make sure that they are in the equation when planning.  Family emergencies, sickness, weather, relations are less on the forefront but may need to be in the mix.  

Also, identify reasons for creating your goals. Make them concrete and a part of your plan. Really put thought into this.  You may want to run a marathon on the surface “to finish”. But along the way you want to lose some weight.  And you may want to lose weight because you are thinking about living a healthy lifestyle to enjoy your kids and grandkids as you get older. 

Make your resolution public knowledge.  This necessarily doesn’t mean putting on social media or taking out an ad.  Tell one or two people, people that keep you accountable are best.  By telling someone or more will inspire you to stay on task.  Trading with a friend to make each other accountable for New Year’s goals is a good idea. A buddy system is way better than no system.

It is a great Idea to get a coach to help you achieve your goals. When having goals, especially professional or athletic ones, a coach is a great tool.  Their job is to make you accountable, so your chances of success increase exponentially.  They are integral in helping you create a realistic goal you can reach.  They will ask the right questions and be able to be a sounding board for your endgame.  They will identify your blind spots and educate you on things you don’t realize can help you or hinder you. A coach can also provide a fresh perspective and keep you engaged and excited about your goals.  Coaches accelerate growth and fuel success.  They will be there every step of the way and have a vested interest in your success.  

No matter what your reason for a resolution or goal, make it personal.  Make a part of your being.  Study it for a couple of days so that it really sinks in.  Hopefully, you are able to hire a coach to help you on your path to success.  If that is not in the cards I hope this post will help with your year long endeavor.