2022 is here and you want to start writing a new chapter in your life. Here are 5 steps that will set you on the correct path.
I love the start of a new year! It allows us to reflect on the past, celebrate the wins, evaluate the failures, and put in motion a plan to leverage those wins and learn from the failures. Here are 5 tips that will keep you focused on creating the best year ever.
1- Find an accountability partner You are more likely to achieve your goals if you have an accountability partner or group. No one likes going at things by themselves. Putting your goals or resolution out there for all to see can be a scary situation. However if you find a good accountability partner/ group (be selective when choosing this partner) they will supply positive motivation when needed, as well as help you course correct if you get off track. This is especially helpful if you find it hard to stay the course on your own.
Finding the right accountability partner is key. This person or group should be comfortable giving you constructive and productive feedback when needed. There will be times when your accountability partner must communicate feedback that you might not agree with. This partnership will only be successful if this person has your best interest at heart and is comfortable providing the type of feedback that is needed. Your accountability partner or group should be your #1 cheerleader and motivator. Your success is their success. However they can’t be afraid to have a hard conversation with you, and you have to be able to look in the mirror and listen to the feedback. Your success is their success. So choose this partner or group wisely. We all need support from time to time, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for this partnership.
2- Get ready for tomorrow the night before Several people struggle in the morning trying to find the right outfit to wear, they spend lots of lost time looking for their wallets and keys. This just starts the day off badly. Take control of tomorrow the night before. Pick out the clothes you want to wear, and get all of your important items located and easily accessible. Take a moment to mentally prepare for the next day. What is on the agenda? What’s the weather look like? These little things will put you in the right frame of mind to tackle the next day. Less stress equals a good start to the day.
3- Re-evaluate your inbox Believe it or not, you DO NOT have to address every email as soon as it arrives. The ability to look at emails and evaluate if you can answer them in 1-2 minutes. If yes, then take care of it. If not then flag it, delete it, or delegate it. Spend your time creating results instead of wasting time responding to an email that can be taken care of at a later date or time. Spend a few minutes at the beginning of this new year, to look at your inbox. Do you need to react, delegate or delete? Take action and take control of your inbox.
4- Set attainable and specific goals The quickest path to failure is setting goals or resolutions that are not attainable. A good example is to say that you are going to exercise every day of the week. Is this something that you can accomplish? How about setting a plan in place to exercise 3 days a week? Much easier to do and it will help you create a routine of exercising. Too many people bite off more than they can chew. If the goal is out of reach, then you are wasting your time. Be specific, set a timeline, then hold yourself accountable. Find an accountability partner that will help guide and motivate you.
Success is not final, failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that count. Winston Churchill
5- Stop repeating the same failures Evaluate why you failed, then formulate a different plan of action. repeating the same steps and expecting a different result is wasting your time. Instead, look for a new solution and ask for help. Understand the impact that the previous failure created and formulate a different plan to achieve the desired results. Visualize what a successful resolution will look like. Give yourself a break! Failure is not a reflection of who you are. Failure happens several times each day, for many reasons, sometimes for reasons not in one’s control. Failure means you took a shot and it did not work out. Learn from it and move along! The key is to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again.