Traditionally, New Year’s Day is the time we make resolutions only to rapidly break them. So I’ve long considered them of little value. But there are indeed specific actions we should take.
- Reflect on the past year. What went well? What went poorly? What was satisfying? What left you feeling disappointed? What was aligned with your life goals? What wasn’t aligned?
- What are your priorities for next year in the areas of health, family, relationships, and career? (In that order – one builds on the other just like a house must be built on a solid foundation.
- Identify WHY these are priorities. A strong WHY motivates you to do them.
- Turn these priorities into specific actionable goals with deadlines. Goals should be uncomfortable, but not unrealistic. Set only 3-7 goals in each area, since it’s better to achieve fewer than to fail at several more.
- WRITE THEM DOWN, and look at them daily! Critical!
- Do NOT over-plan. Over-planning is simply a way to rationalize procrastination.
- Identify the next step and take it. The next step is always the most important and helps create momentum.
Now work toward them daily and incessantly. –RG