Ever since the Babylonians made promises to their Gods centuries ago, man has been making promises to himself in the form of New Year’s resolutions.  Roughly 40% of North Americans practice this each year.  I say practice because the failure rate of these promises is around 85%!

The most common reason for failure is setting unrealistic goals.  Some of the resolutions are;  lose weight, exercise more, get out of debt, improve work skills, get a better job, be self-employed.

In order to succeed the goals need to be achievable and have a plan.  How are you going to get there and who are you accountable to in the process?  What are the celebration steps along the way so you don’t lose interest?  Who do you need on my team in order to be successful?  Most goals are best achieved with assistance from someone.  It might be a trainer, a life or executive coach, or a counsellor depending on your goal.  Do not be afraid to enlist their help as it will help to ensure success.

If you feel you need to have a New Year’s resolution;

• Make sure it is doable and realistic
• Goal has to be linked to an end benefit, there has to be a carrot.
• Break the goal down into a series of smaller tasks.  This allows you to assess your situation, think it through and readjust as necessary.  It also allows you to celebrate your accomplishments at the completion of each task.
• Make sure the goal you are working for is something you really want, not just something that sounds good.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2016 and success in all your goals!

“Our Goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act.  There is no other route to success.”   Pablo Picasso

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