Did you know that fewer than 10% of people who set New Years' Resolutions actually achieve them? How can you ensure YOUR success? Try using the Top 10 Tips below.
1. Write Them Down. It's a fact: writing down your goals gives you a higher chance of success.
2. Commit. Move beyond the land of "good ideas" to the land of true "commitment". Make the decision that you will show up for your goals. Perhaps you can do a ritual or ceremony to symbolize your commitment.
3. Tell People. Let your biggest fans in on your new commitments and goals for the year.
4. Get Accountability. Even better than just letting others in on your "secret" dreams and goals-get some accountability. Meet for lunch once a month with a group that will ask you, "So, how's it going with your goal?" Hire a Coach. Talk to your best friend or partner. Get some support!
5. Make a Plan. Ensure success with a step-by-step plan. Wake-Up Call Coaching loves to work backwards by starting with the end vision of where you want to be and working backwards to where you are today. You'll find an easy action plan to make your goals a reality.
6. Do a Goal Check-In. Before you decide on what you'll take on for the year, make certain you can answer, "YES!" to the following questions: "Am I the primary reason for setting this goal (vs. your mom, boyfriend, wife, boss, society)? Do I feel alive and energized by this goal? Is this goal in line with my life purpose or mission?"
7. Get Real! If you're contemplating putting a goal down that you always put down and never achieve, take a second look. How will this goal end DIFFERENTLY this year? Is this goal something you need to let go of? What is the good enough reason to truly commit?
8. Focus With Reminders. Once you've gotten your goals and plan in place, figure out ways to remind yourself. Some Wake Up Call Coaching clients post their goals in on their bathroom mirror or in their car. Others put reminders in their palm pilots or cell phones. Figure out what works for you and read your goals aloud daily.
9. Believe and Visualize. Do you know the story about the group of basketball players who spent one hour visualizing making baskets, while another group actually practiced? The visualizing players had better seasons! So visualize yourself on New Years Eve 2010 with all your goals achieved. What would that look like? How would it feel? Visualize once a day and see the difference it can make in your life.
10. Use anchors. Tie your goal to a habit you already have in place. Perhaps you decide to do your exercise right after brushing your teeth, or practice meditation after checking email. Anchoring your new behavior and goals to an exisiting successful habit is a great tool to ensure goal attainment.
May 2009 be the year that your goals and dreams reach full flight!
This article was originally deveoloped while Amy was at Electric Kites Success Coaching.
After years of being a top producing Sales Executive, Amy heeded the call to coaching and is on a personal mission to be a "wake up call". She is the CEO of Wake-Up Call Coaching and Success Coaching For Women. She holds a BA from the University of California, earned the CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) designation from The Coaches Training Institute, is a Bigger Game Certified Coach, is a certified Business Advisor from One Coach, and is a Master Coach Equivalent.
Since 2000, Amy has coached a wide array of clients (from Artists to Lawyers to Vice Presidents) enabling them to reach greater levels of success. Under the guidance of Amy's coaching, clients have formulated and launched businesses, manifested their dream jobs, doubled their incomes, written and published stories and books, created fulfilling romantic relationships, and achieved a greater overall sense of personal and professional satisfaction.
Amy has been interviewed as an expert for publications such as The Washington Post and The Oakland Tribune, and is getting ready to launch her first book in 2009 entitled, "Big, Fat Lies Women Tell Themselves (and believe!), Wake Up to the 52 Truths about How Fabulous You Are".
Amy is exceptionally energetic, positive and outgoing. Her unique enthusiasm and energy has attracted a large International following. She resides in the SF Bay Area with her extraordinary musician husband, Rob, their baby girl, Annabella, and their mutt, Dozer.