Most people start off the new year making resolutions. Common resolutions address health, career, family, intellectual, inter-personal, and financial matters. Chances are good that you have made similar resolutions for 2008. Personal development and career evolution are key concepts at PRN, and self-motivation and dedication are necessary to be successful in those areas. There are right ways and wrong ways to make New Year’s resolutions. Here are a few tips to help your resolution actually make a difference.
1. Choose something you really want. The only way to ensure some chance of following through on your resolution is to make sure it means something to you. Do not let others choose your resolution for you.
2. Try again. Many attempts at resolutions fail. Chances are good that you’ve tried this resolution before. This may be the time for success. Forgive yourself for your inability to get it done last time, and be ready to be unsuccessful again. If it was easy, it would not have to be a resolution.
3. Choose one thing. Do not make too many resolutions. It is hard enough to keep track of a long list, let alone follow through on so many resolutions. Pick one, or two at most, with some meaning to you, and focus on getting it done.
4. Make a plan now and write it down. The urge to make the resolution may pass, so do not lose track of it. Write down the resolution somewhere, maybe even several times on your new calendar or in your new pocket organizer. Then focus on the process of getting it done. Write out the steps required to make it happen. Focusing on the process, rather than the final goal.
5. Make it easy on yourself. Choose an obtainable resolution, then break it down into its components. View each component or step as a success. Be patient. If it’s really worth it, chances are it may take a while. The resolution may be for the New Year, but the process could take the entire year, or perhaps longer.
6. Just get it done. There will be times when you won’t feel like doing what it takes, and even times when this feeling will make you question the goal, but stick with it. Most importantly, do not forget to congratulate yourself during your successes along the way.
