Historically, as the hustle and bustle of Christmas comes to an end, we begin to shift our minds to the conclusion of another year, what was accomplished, what wasn't accomplished. The results of this deep dive into our year usually cause us to panic, overthink and under plan. This is exactly why my very unpopular opinion is that resolutions are a TRAP.  Just another set of promises we make to ourselves with unrealistic deadlines and an even more unrealistic road map to accomplish them. We start scrambling to avoid feeling the same way next year at this time but the fact of it is, we just might. It is almost unavoidable. Why? It's simple.. our deadlines instantaneously move from the end of the current year to the end of the next year. The timeline isn’t personalized, and this is why often enough, we find ourselves setting goals on January 1st and by February they have long left our hearts and minds. We started with great intention, but we forgot the most important ingredient -THE PLAN. So here is why I think resolutions are a ground hog day trap, resolutions are the end goal, however they encourage us to leave out the map of the journey.  We actually need a successful journey in order to reach our destination. Setting a resolution is simply declaring you are ready to take the journey.  Moving beyond resolutions requires that you arm yourself with the tools necessary to make your journey successful no matter the resolution. Here are 10 tools I suggest we all keep in our growth tool kit:  

1.  Clarify Your Why

Understand your Why. Explore the deeper meaning of the resolution. Is it to provide a better life for your children, to gain enough money to move from surviving to thriving, to create space for another opportunity? Once you understand your why, it will be easier to stay motivated.

2. Make It SMART

Set goals that are:

• Specific: Clear and detailed.
• Measurable: Trackable progress.
• Achievable: Realistic given your time and resources.
• Relevant: Connected to your values.
• Time-bound: Include a deadline.

Setting SMART goals may seem cliché but if you outline these metrics, it will be easy for you to determine progress and pivot if necessary.

Download My Smart Goals Worksheet Here. 

3. Break It Into small action-steps

Big goals can be overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, manageable action tasks. Focus on one step at a time until you feel confident in multitasking and tackling more mini steps simultaneously.

4. Develop a System

Create routines and habits that make every day successful. These are usually great life routines like waking up early, being organized, preparation for the next day. Small changes in  your day to day life can give you much needed momentum.

5. Monitor Progress

Track your achievements to stay motivated. I’ve always felt like, if it isn’t documented, did it really happen? Determine how you want to monitor and track your progress. You can use checklists, written journals, video journals, or charts.

6. Stay Accountable

Please, please, please share your goals with a friend, mentor, or group. Once you say it out loud it makes it difficult to retract. Regular check-ins increase commitment and provide support.

Check out our accountability partnerships Here.

7. Practice Self-Compassion

Every day nor every action step will be successful. When this happens, don’t panic! Be compassionate to yourself. Ask yourself what you could have done differently, how you will restructure this action to be successful next time, does something in your timeline need to shift? We are human and it’s ok to have days where 100% was just not possible.

8. Visualize Success

Spend a few minutes daily imagining yourself achieving your goal. Feel the emotions and pride—this primes your brain for success. You really have to visualize and manifest it!

9. Adjust as Needed

Life can change. Reassess your progress and tweak your approach if necessary. Flexibility is key to long-term success. To be successful in this journey, you will need to shift paths, speeds, and milestones. Its ok. Life has a way of life-ing especially when you are trying to get things done. Being successful means expecting those moments and adjusting your success-o-meter.

10. Reward Yourself

Milestones deserve rewards! Often when accomplishing big goals, you have to be your own cheerleader and reward system. Be sure to reward yourself.

Employing these simple tips will ensure every resolution is accomplished. You will go from a goal setter to an Achiever effortlessly. If you need a little more support and guidance, be sure to check out our 12 week Program, Tunnel Vision, designed to teach you the skills needed to create a personalized roadmap.