As I’m writing this, it’s T-60 days until the end of the year. That means, by the time you are reading this, you’ll be even closer to making this year….we’ll maybe not your best year ever.
I’m saying that because if you’re like 92% of the world, you haven’t achieved your New Year’s resolutions for this year. However, if you are one of the 8% who have, congratulations! Either way, I’m going to give you some practical ways to actually begin making this your best year ever, even if it hasn’t been what you anticipated it would be, yet.
1. Commit to one goal – Most of us, when we say what we’re going to do, come up with many ideas at the same time. This tends to make us scatter brained. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to commit to just one goal, something that matters to you, and get into momentum toward that goal immediately. Momentum breeds momentum. So once you are moving along well in one goal, then consider what else you want to do.
2. Make a plan – Begin by just simply writing down 5 steps you need to take in order to move you closer to your goal. Don’t worry about the actual achievement of that goal, just focus on the first steps. Let go of the result, and instead, pay attention to the journey. Each step you take brings you one step closer. Focus on the progress, not the destination.
3. Give yourself a deadline – This time of year is actually the best time to plan to make changes because the end of the year is a great deadline. Maybe you don’t have time to achieve the big goal, however, you do have time to achieve some of that goal. Make that part of your goal, your goal. Too many people forget that big goals achieved are nothing more than a series of smaller goals achieved.
4. Celebrate your victories – No matter how small, celebrate your victories! It’s common for us to look at the bullseye and forget that the first thing we need to do is just hit the target. Whether you lose a pound on your journey to losing one hundred, or any other victory, celebrate it! Allow yourself to appreciate how it feels to win! Learn to love the feeling of accomplishment and fight the urge to downplay your ability. You are powerful, you are able, and you will win!
Finally, I want to tell you why this one can still be your best year ever. It’s because this can be the year that you actually took action! Don’t wait for another two months to pass before you make the choice to do something about what matters to you. Start today, right now, and say “No more! I’m not going to allow another day to pass by. Today is the day I ______________________!”
New year’s resolutions aren’t going to work, unless you realize one thing in your life. It’s not the year that matters, it’s the moments that matter. This moment is the most important moment of your life and it always will be. What will you do with this one? Because next year is going to be here and gone in a moment, so use this moment to get into momentum!
Tom Anderson is the creator of The LifeTrax Success System. He is a high performance coach who focuses of motivation and success planning.