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The Key to Success
 Each new year presents a perfect opportunity for people to make positive life changes. That’s why more than 45 percent of American adults made at least one New Year’s resolution last year, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corp. However, sticking to those plans is not always so easy. In fact, life coach and goals expert Michael York believes that upwards of 97 percent of resolutions made in 2008 won’t be kept.
The culprit
What prevents most people from staying on course? According to a Department of Labor survey, the top three reasons identified were procrastination, lack of discipline and failure to create a game plan. Follow these valuable tips to help overcome obstacles and succeed in making your resolutions a reality:
- Choose carefully. The first step is to make sure that the goal is something you really want. For instance, if you want to lose 10 pounds but aren’t willing to give up your favorite foods, you should consider if the goal even makes sense.
- Make a realistic selection. Many experts believe that the primary reason why most people don’t keep their New Year’s resolutions is that they’re unrealistic and unattainable. Steer clear of impossible objectives because they’ll only dampen your spirits. Choosing challenging, yet achievable, goals will increase your likelihood of success. And don’t aim to accomplish too much. Pick one or two really important resolutions, instead of four or five.
- Be specific. When it comes to resolutions, the more detailed, the better. Studies show that people who set clearly defined and measurable objectives and include a pre-determined timeline for reaching them, are 10 times more likely to stick to their resolutions and achieve their goals.
- Break it into smaller chunks. Large goals that stretch out over long periods of time can intimidate most people. Breaking the goal up into smaller milestones can help keep motivation and commitment levels at a peak.
- Pick a goal “buddy.” Asking a friend or family member for help can boost the chances of success. Designate a “buddy” and ask them to provide support when temptations or obstacles arise, or offer gentle reminders during potential setbacks.
- Don’t punish mistakes. Everyone strays off course when working toward a new goal. Don’t let setbacks distract your accomplishments. Instead, use them as learning experiences by making a mental note of why they happened, so you can avoid similar mistakes in the future—then move on with renewed determination.
If you really want to make a change, don’t let another year pass. Pick your priorities, outline your plan and then tap into a support system to help realize success.
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