It’s not exactly breaking news that many Virtual Assistants fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions. But should that stop us from promising ourselves to get better each year? Of course not!
With January already good on its way … I’m wondering, how many of you have kept your New Year’s resolutions so far?
I must admit that I’ve already had a few mishaps on some of my personal ones – such as keeping a lid on my food intake. But then again – losing weight is one of the most broken New Year’s Resolutions ever.
So, what is the magic recipe it one wants to keep a New Year’s resolution
If you listen to the gurus, they will tell you that New Year’s resolutions do not last and that you rather need to set goals. But really, it does not matter how you look at it, it is in actual fact pretty much the same thing. The gurus will also tell you to set SMART goals – to make it specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely – and this usually works for most successful business people.
So, if you take this SMART principle of setting goals and shuffle it around, you can come up with another SMART way of keeping that important goals.
My SMART Way to Keep New Year’s Resolutions
S –Small steps. Break the main goal into smaller steps. Create a few mini-goals that you know you can achieve and that will slowly but surely take you to where you want to be.
M – Map your progress. Keep a journal, a spreadsheet or a few notes visible where you can write down these mini goals. Put some timelines next to each one and tick off any achievements. Try to stick to the plan.
A –Achievements should be rewarded! Give yourself a small reward whenever you achieve a mini-goal to maintain motivation and a sense of progress.
R – Remind yourself constantly of the benefits. Reaping the benefits when completing the main goal can be a strong motivator to actually achieve it.
T – Tell family and friends about you goal. They can help and support you to reach it faster. Furthermore, the knowledge that other people know about it will give you the motivation to succeed. Nobody wants to fail and be embarrassed. Either way, do not keep your resolution and goal to yourself.
However, do not go overboard with lots and lots of New Year’s resolution. Only choose a few things that you really want to accomplish this year. If you do not achieve all of them, don’t worry. As long as you move forward and accomplish some of those goals, you can be satisfied.
