Ah yes, the end of the year...we're more motivated than ever before, jolting awake in the middle of the night with another awesome resolution to add to our growing list. We tell ourselves we've got this in the bag, that this year it'll be different. But. It's never different.
Maybe we start out okay, sticking to our goals for a week or two. But our enthusiasm inevitably disappears, like a boulder rolling down a cliff with no trampoline in sight. We forget what we were once so excited about, and eventually feel like crap because of it.
This year we're stepping up to help.
We've put together a short and sweet list to help you really, truly accomplish what you want to this year. Bookmark this post, share it with friends, and keep the to-dos nearby as you welcome the new year - your best one yet.
#1. Choose one or two goals for the entire year.
Seriously, no more than that. The biggest problem with most resolution lists is that they're made up of brain vomit. Every single thing that comes to mind gets a spot, from small to large, because everything is equally important (or so you think). And when your list is that bloated it's impossible to accomplish ANYTHING; you'll become overwhelmed and give up, without fail.
This year choose ONE TO TWO goals for the entire year. Narrow down your current list to what makes you the most excited, what makes you the most hopeful for the future.
#2. Gather your tools.
There are tons and tons of resources out there to help people accomplish their goals, but not every one will be right for you. You may prefer pen and paper, or do better with calendars and timers. It'd be impossible to list all the options out there, but here are a few of our favorites:
The Innerguide 2015 Planner, $25.95
This planner is more than just that; it's an organizational and spiritual tool for making tangible change in your life. It features monthly reflection pages for assessing what you've done and what you hope to do the next month, as well as thought-provoking and clarity-inducing prompts to help uncover your purpose.
Indispensable. Schedule in your tasks, color-code them, and set up reminders that go straight to your phone.
The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, $10.25
If you read one self-help book in 2015, make it this one. It's written by the founder of Keller-Williams Realty, someone who probably knows a thing or two about getting things done. This book will help you zero in on what's important to you, and make absolute sure it becomes a reality.
#3. Enlist support.
Your friends and family want you to be the best you can be. They want you to be happy. Fill them in on your goals for the year and (the good ones) will make up for whatever enthusiasm and confidence you may be lacking. They'll become your cheerleaders for this thing, no questions asked - and chances are you'll be needing a few down the road.
Tell three of your closest peeps what you're planning to accomplish in 2015. Take it to the next level by asking them to check in with you once a month to make sure you're staying on track.
#4. Track your progress on a monthly basis.
That's right, monthly. Not in six months, not whenever you remember...at the beginning of every month. Reflect on what you did and didn't do the prior month to get you closer to your goal, and what you can do differently the next month.
#5. Be grateful.
It's easy to get so wrapped up in what we're trying to gain that we forget the massive amount of awesome things we already have. You create your moment-to-moment experience of life, and if your happiness is dependent on achieving this goal, you'll be miserable until you do (and then until a newer, shinier goal comes along).
Buy a little journal and write down three things you're grateful for every day. Remind yourself that in this moment you have everything you need, and that this goal will simply be the cherry on top of an already delicious cake.
Over to you! What's your number one goal for 2015?
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