A Life Coach's Expert Guide to Successful New Year Resolution

A Life Coach's Expert Guide to Successful Resolutions

Valerie Martinelli, MPA

 



Each New Year, many of us make resolutions and by February, have broken them. Why is that? Our approach to resolutions is that they are like work or a dreaded task. For example, maybe you tell yourself that this New Year you’d like to attain personal or professional success, but what are you doing to get there? Are you consistently motivating yourself? Have you made the lifestyle changes necessary to accomplish your goal? So, how exactly can you make 2017 different? Below are some of my life coaching suggestions for how to make your resolutions attainable:



 



Step #1: Start Small

Always start small. Sometimes we think that multi-tasking is the best thing to do but when we overwhelm our brains they become flooded with too much information and can result in a delayed response or complete inaction. By starting out small, you are giving yourself less to process and increasing your odds of success. So rather than making a list of 10 resolutions that you would like to achieve I suggest focusing 1 or 2 of the most important ones instead.



 



Step #2: Be Specific

Focus on a concrete goal because that will make it more attainable. Don’t tell yourself things like “I’m going to lose weight” or “I want to work out more”. Rather it is best to commit to exactly how many pounds you would like to lose or how much you would like to work out daily and weekly. Once you know exactly what it is that you would like to do, visualize the rewards. Tip: Resolutions to do new things have a higher success rate than those to break old habits.



 



Step #3: Actionable Steps

Once you are sure of your resolution, the next step is to break it down into actionable steps. If you do not do this, you are at risk for giving up or failure. Oftentimes, people will figure out that their goals are too lofty and therefore, can be difficult to be achieve. Actionable steps can help you gauge positive progression. Break it down into sub-steps to see positive change and share your goals with your friends and family. In addition, by having everything written out you can review your goals which will remind you why you began in the first place. Having your friends and family to support you also will help you on your journey.



 



Step #4: Be Realistic

Just remember that with smaller, more attainable, more realistic goals you are more likely to succeed. As you achieve your sub-goals, you will gain the motivation for continued success, you can use this motivation as fuel for other personal and professional goals. I advise my clients to break down all their personal and professional

goals in a similar fashion so they will not become discouraged and give up or risk failure.



 



Step #5: Banish the Negativity

The biggest key to your success is in not listening to naysayers. You may have a large goal in mind that you are working to accomplish, however, that does not mean that you cannot achieve it. When you set big goals, it is the best time to get rid of people or things that drain your energy. Spend time with those who lift you up and support you. It is also a good time to end any habits that make you feel lethargic.



 



Step #6: Schedule Alone Time

We live in a very hyper-connected world in which we are always on, constantly connected, and on the go. It can become difficult to find down time in each day. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to schedule a minimum of 15 minutes each day for yourself. You can use this time to read, exercise, meditate, or sit quietly with your thoughts but it is most important that you use this time for yourself for reflection. This quiet time will help you maintain your focus while on your journey.



 



Step #7: Make It Fun

You will also have an increased chance of success if you celebrate the small victories along the way. Treat yourself to something that you love and find something enjoyable in all that you do. If you wait until you attain your overall goal, it is easier to become discouraged. It is important to celebrate all our victories in life- big and small! Enjoy your journey!



 



Step #8: Journal Your Progress

Maintaining a journal while on your journey will help clear any mental cobwebs and offer an opportunity to explore your goals more in-depth. Journaling also helps you become more accountable, improving your chances of success.



 



Step #9: Accept Your Progress and Failure

Have you taken each of these steps and fallen off track or failed? That’s okay. Have self-compassion. The more we beat ourselves up and feel guilty about something the further we can deviate from reaching our goals. Give yourself a break and get back to it. Is it difficult to go easy on yourself? Then imagine what you would say to a loved one if they had a setback in reaching their goals…then say it yourself!



 



Step #10: Be Proud of Your Efforts

No matter how far you came in your journey, be proud of yourself and your efforts. By giving yourself credit for trying, you will be more apt to try again if you failed. If you succeed, be proud of yourself. Keep up the great work!



 



“Coaching is all about having someone believe in you and encourage you, about getting valuable feedback, about seeing things from new perspectives and setting your sights on new horizons.” -Author Unknown



 



Would you like to learn more about Valerie and her coaching? Visit here http://askvmc.com