The New Year is almost here and, for some of us, our thoughts turn to making changes in our lives and the inevitable New Year’s resolution. While it is understandable that we establish resolutions, I don’t recommend them for 2 main reasons:
- Waiting for an event like the New Year means that we lose time and opportunity, and is a form of procrastination. If change is required, we must incorporate the necessary changes immediately.
- The vast majority of those who establish New Year’s resolutions fail. If you don’t believe this, go check out your local gym – busy, busy, busy in January but by March it will be back to normal traffic levels!
We all know that most New Year’s resolutions end in failure, but why is this the case? There are many reasons (most of which are excuses), but what it really boils down to is this – most of us are unaware of what it is we truly want. If we do answer the question of “what”, then we don’t know the “how” – how to get to where we want to go!
In order to have success, we must realize that success is a process with a defined series of steps. These include developing absolute clarity on what it is we want to accomplish, establishing goals and detailed action plans to help us along the way and understanding that there is a price to be paid for everything – and having the willingness to pay that price, no matter what.
We must understand that different (better) results are a product of different thoughts and actions. Einstein said that we cannot solve a problem on the same level on which we created it. In other words, if we desire change, we must be prepared to change ourselves. Easy to say, not so easy to do!
Establishing and pursuing a goal should be an empowering act. Unfortunately, failure to achieve any goal will result in a lowering of self-esteem and is very de-motivating. We feel badly about ourselves and are reticent to move forward because we want to avoid disappointment should we fail (the “once bitten, twice shy” paradigm). This is the beginning of a very dangerous downward spiral which can be devastating.
What You Can Do
You should be making the necessary changes to your business or life, as they are required. However, if you choose to wait in order to establish New Year’s resolutions, here are 3 tips to help you to be successful:
- Decide on the change(s) that you would like to see. Are they changes which will substantially improve your results? Can you get excited just thinking about them? The more compelling the vision, the more likely you will be to persevere.
- Determine and fully understand the price to be paid. It could be time, money, effort, sacrifice or many other things, or a combination of some or all of these things. The point is, you must fully understand what is required and then resolve to do it.
- Exercise your willpower to change your thoughts and habits. Your current results are based on your current thought patterns and habits. In order to change results, you must begin here.
Remember, it takes 21 days to make a habit and the same 21 days to break a habit. If you can stay focused and exercise your will for 3 weeks, you can realize change!
Along with being a process, success is also a habit. Get into the habit of taking action when action is required. Don’t wait for an event, like a New Year celebration, to make changes. Take action immediately – you will be more productive, successful and satisfied!