Personal Care/Style :: Self-Improvement |
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Why Goal Setting Doesnt Work And What You Can Do About It |
| A master life and business coach discusses how to set goals that work and are meaningful. |
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MAKING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS STICK
The majority of New Year's resolutions don't last much longer than the average reveler's hangover. Even the best of our intentions are not enough to change many long-held beliefs or behaviors.
However, if you are serious about accomplishing something important in 2007, here are a few guidelines.
First, start by taking a look at how you are doing in some of the most important areas of your life: career, health, finances, relationships, fun, learning, etc. One way of doing this is to simply rate on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) your current level of fulfillment (or success) in these areas.
Next, ask yourself, "Which area, if focused on, could bring the most positive change into my life this year?" It's OK to have a few focus areas, but since your time and energy is limited, don't try to change everything at once. Also note that research (Seligman, et al.) has shown that it is the changes that will see us more fully engaged, more fully expressed, and that will bring more meaning into our lives, that will lead to the greatest happiness.
Once you have picked an area you want to make changes in, sit back, relax, take a few deep breaths - and get into your creative, visioning mode. Dream up a picture of the best possible outcome in your chosen area, one year down the road. For example, if you chose health, imagine yourself fit, energetic and vitally alive; able to do anything you want to. Once you have a picture in your mind, begin to imagine how it might make you feel. The goal here is to get a clear picture and a strong emotional connection to the desired state. The more this vision stirs or inspires, the easier it will be to overcome your natural inertia and take the daily actions to get there.
After you have a strong vision of where you are heading, list the specific goals, actions or commitments you will take this week. The longest journeys start with a single step. If you can break down your vision into specific weekly actions, it is far more manageable. Also, the more specific and measurable you can make the weekly goals, the better.
Finally, set up a weekly support structure to keep you on track. You know yourself. You know what gets in the way of your best intentions. Finish this statement, "If I am not successful with this initiative it will be because........" Will you get distracted? Not set aside the necessary time? Run out of enthusiasm? Once you know how you usually quit on your initiatives, find a suitable support structure that will ensure your progress. It can be as easy as setting some time aside each week to review your progress, learn from your setbacks and plan for the next week. Other common support structures include finding a friend with a similar goal to partner with, or hiring a coach. Don't sell yourself short here. Habits take time to change. Lack of an effective support structure is one of the prime reasons people give up on their goals.
Steve Mitten CPCC, MCC, of ACOAC˔U.COM was the 2005 President of the International Coach Federation and is the 2007 Canadian Coach of the Year. He is a Master Certified Coach and an expert on human potential and change. Steve has helped thousands of leaders entrepreneurs and independent professionals find the fastest and most enjoyable route to more meaningful success. Life Coaching Site Executive Coaching Site Business Coaching Site
Article Source: www.activehowto.com
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Posted 2006-12-25 08:03:40 By Steve Mitten
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