How to Make New Year Resolutions That Work

The most important investments require time. Setting______________
and achieving a resolution requires focus, effort, and______________
commitment. Changing old habits and developing new______________
ones won't happen overnight. The following four______________
guidelines are meant to help you achieve all of your______________
New Years Resolutions:______________
1. Focus on one resolution at a time: Divide and______________
conquer the activities to achieve your desired results.______________
Break larger tasks into smaller ones - each of these______________
make up your Personal Resolution Road map, a path_______________
to achieve your goal.Focus, Focus, Focus!
2. Create a sense of accountability: Designate aDoes one resolution stand out? One that you are
friend, mentor, or companion for sharing successes,ready to go after. Focus on this one; you can
monitoring progress, and offering support. Thereplicate the process later.
benefit of involving others in your goals and plans isMy #1 Resolution is:
instant access to experience, knowledge, and________________
wisdom-it also raises the bar of responsibility.Resolution Validation
Research indicates that one of the qualities of thoseNext, validate your chosen resolution's importance.
who are successful at making changes is that theyFor each question below, ask yourself if you're
have excellent support systems. Many of those whogetting a green - go, yellow - caution, or red - stop
make resolutions never tell others about them.signal.
Consciously or subconsciously, that way if they failIf a caution or stop signal pops into your head, stop
no one will view them as a failure.to ask why. It might mean that this resolution isn't
Communicating your resolution and intentions actuallythe right one to be focusing on. The validation test
increases your accountability to the behavior. Fromwill keep you motivated as you continue on your
the very beginning it is important to share yourresolution road trip.
objectives and goals with those around you so thatIf the validation questions show you that this is the
you can enlist their support. Knowing that you arewrong resolution for now, start over. Return to your
accountable to someone other than yourself will helporiginal list, and work through the process once again.
to keep you on track.It is wiser to focus on the right resolution than to
3. Persist until completed: A resolution achieved is astart one you're not committed to.
stunning example of consistency and hard work. IfWrite down what comes to mind as you read
you fall behind schedule or are sidetracked for anythrough each question. These notes will serve as a
reason, refocus! Just don't give up! Don't surrender tomotivational tool for you when you are in the middle
temptation, difficulty or temporary failure. Persist untilof your resolution plan.
you achieve the goal.Is This Resolution Part of My Personal Mission?
4. Cultivate personal integrity: Integrity gives you the________________
oxygen needed to cross the finish line ofDoes this resolution align with my mission? How?
accomplishment. Your commitment determines your________________
level of success. This commitment boils down to twoHow does this resolution align with my values?
essential tactics: daily action and review.________________
Resolution BeginningsHow will this resolution bring me closer to living my
The nuts and bolts of achieving any resolution aremission?
invariably the same. Neither the size of the________________
resolutions nor the person achieving it matters.Is This Resolution Really Me?
Successful New Year's Resolutions consist of the________________
following:Is this resolution authentic?
Clear Purpose - For a dream to become a goal, it________________
must be specific. Being thin is an image, losing 10Can I envision myself accomplishing this goal?
pounds by March 1 is a true resolution. Be clear on________________
what you want to achieve.Is it a habit that I can incorporate into my life?
Make a New Years Resolution that you have a real,________________
bona fide intention of keeping. The truth is mostAm I The Owner of This Resolution?
people have not made a genuine, serious, no-kidding________________
around- I-really-mean-to-do-this New YearsIs this MY goal?
Resolution!________________
In Writing - Describe precisely what you want, howHow can I take complete ownership of this
you will earn it, when you will have it, and theresolution?
benefits you'll receive from achieving your resolution.________________
Write the details, but don't make it complex. WhenIs This Resolution In My Control?
you put it in writing, you increase your chances of________________
moving to the next step and increasing your level ofIs this a resolution I can actually achieve?
commitment.________________
Your mind, while blessed with permanent memory, isIs it within my control or someone else's?
cursed with lousy recall. Writing your resolution goes________________
a long way towards achieving it.What do I control about this resolution?
Commitment - Without commitment, you can say,________________
"Farewell dream. Adios potential. Toodleloo success.What do I not control?
Hello Mediocrity!" Your resolution will find a more________________
deserving soul: someone with courage, character,How Will This Resolution Stretch Me?
conviction... commitment.________________
Commitment is not only habitual but also essential - itIs this a resolution that will make me grow?
moves you ever closer to your resolution and________________
ultimate success. Commitment is the heartbeat ofHow will it help me learn new things?
your goal.________________
Accountability Counts - commitment means you ownBy investing your efforts in these guidelines that lead
it. You are responsible for taking the resolution that'sto successful resolutions, you give yourself a launch
on paper and turning it into a desired outcome.pad for starting your new year and your new life.
Owning it means tasking responsibility for changes,I wish for you a New Year of health, wealth, and
risks, failures, and successes.happiness. I encourage you to pursue your resolutions
Creating Your Resolution Listwith open arms and to believe deeply in your ability
Write down your list of New Year's Resolutions. Getto enjoy the rewards of resolutions and dreams
them all out of your head and down on paper.achieved.