Welcome back!

Just a few more days and 2009 will be gone forever. Around this time of the year, you can see people declaring their New Year’s resolutions. One observation I have is that most people like to think BIG and set goals that seem unattainable. Instead of making a resolution to lose twenty pounds in one year, why not set smaller goals for the new year of losing five pounds every three months?

Setting smaller goals, no matter what those goals may be, are easier to stick with and accomplish than long range, larger goals. Consider these smaller goals as stepping stones that will ultimately take you to your final destination. Just take it one step at a time – follow the path and before you know it, you’ll get to your desired destination and would have achieved your New Year’s resolution.

When you set goals, you want to make sure to be specific about these goals. The more specific the goal, the more likely you will be to work hard at obtaining it. When you know what you want to accomplish, it’s like going on a journey and knowing where your final destination is. You wouldn’t want to get on a car and just drive aimlessly – not knowing where you want to go. You’ll just be wasting your time and energy.

Make sure your goals are measurable as well. If you are not specific about your goals, why would you want to achieve it , how would you go about achieving it, and how do you know you’ve achieved it already?

It would be a good idea to write your goals down making sure to include a deadline with each goal. Write down a plan on how you will achieve those goals too. Place the list of goals where you can see them regularly – like on a wall by your desk. When you always see the goals, it will be more likely for you to achieve them.

Keep track of your progress. Jot down notes in a journal. Document how you are slowly achieving your goals. Remember things that work and those which didn’t. This will be helpful when you try to achieve a similar goal.

Announce your goals to others – this will enforce some type of accountability. Telling others will help solidify your commitment to accomplish these goals. Your friends and family can keep you on track with your goals.

If by any chance, you feel like giving up cause things don’t go the way you anticipated, renew your commitment to succeed. When you have smaller goals, it is easier to see what you are doing, know why you’re doing it, and can remain committed even when things don’t look like they are turning out as you have planned. Don’t forget to celebrate each success and go forth and move on to the next goal.

When you set several smaller goals for the New Year instead of one big seemingly unachievable one, your chances of success are much higher. You are able to measure your progress and use these goals as a way to get to your final destination.

PS – Do you need help setting up Goals for 2010? Click here if you do.