Ready to actually stick to your plans for the new year?

In my research for this message I’ve found a number of references that claim that by the end of the first week of January, over 50% of people have already broken the resolution they set for the new year and that ultimately 94% of people give up on their resolutions by the end of the 3rd week of January.

Pretty awful stats!

So, what might actually make a difference for you this year so that you join the small ranks of those who DO achieve what they say they’ll do? Here are 6 things to consider:

Here are 6 things you can do to start the new year right!  

1) Set an intention instead of a resolution. Wayne Dyer once said, “our intention creates our reality.” At the beginning of most of my group and individual coaching sessions I ask my clients to set an intention for the session. Doing this creates hope and opportunity and also direction. It lives in the grey. We aren’t tied to the result but we know the direction we’re travelling. Alternatively, a resolution is a “firm decision to do or not do something” (www.dictionary.com). There isn’t much room for growth, planning, or aim. It is black and white and can lead to failure and shame. This year, set an intention rather than a resolution and you’re setting yourself up for positivity AND possibility.

2) Choose a word or a theme for the year. Each year I like to choose a word that I will use to set myself up for the new year. But this past year I have heard 2 new ideas that I wanted to share with you. The first is to choose a theme rather than just a word. This may mean your word is committed but your theme is commitment. More possibility there. Or your word is positive with the theme being positivity. The second idea came from someone in this community. She shared, “Pick three words that become your mantra or focus for the year. Easier to stay on track when they’re three words than lengthy goals. Simpler is best. And tell a friend, or several, what your words are and check in on each other to see how your words are coming to fruition in your life.”

3) Consider your “Tendency”. Gretchen Rubin wrote a book last year called “The Four Tendencies”. You can take a quiz and find out if you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger or Rebel. Depending on your tendency, you need to set up different structures to ensure you accomplish your goals. Learning I’m an Obliger has made huge difference to what I’ve accomplished this past year.to choose what I do. 

4) Find your authentic way. When was the last time you made a decision where you didn’t care what anyone else thought? If it was recent you’re probably living authentically. If it was ages ago, it might be time to ask yourself who you’re trying to please? In the last year or so I realized that I was making a lot of decisions based on some left-over childhood expectations. Letting go of these and finding my own authentic voice has allowed me to simplify, focus on what I really love, and still achieve goals. What is your authentic way? 

5) What will you consciously choose NOT to do anymore? Consciously choosing to say NO is extremely powerful. What habit, choice or action do you say no to for this new year?

5) Find a support system! Humans aren’t meant to be 100% independent. We thrive when we’re in community with others. In addition, there is significant research that shows when people have an accountability partner they achieve their goals with much, much more success! Find a partner for this year. This can be a friend, colleague, family member or someone on the outside like a coach. Set yourself up for success! 

Get started today and create a new year filled with possibility! Share your thoughts in the comments below!