2013 Resolutions: 12 Tips to Achieving Your Goals

With January about to wrap up, I notice the gym is getting quieter and more and more people are telling me that they're already losing motivation. Some people have even told me that January is almost over, and they've yet to set any goals!

Here are 12 tips to help you gain some momentum, and a fresh perspective on your 2013 goals. Choose at least one of these for each month this year to keep you focused. January is not over, so at least do #1 now!

#1 Write your goals down.

There is power in writing your goals down. Having something tangible to reference is essential for achieving goals in a timely manner. Knowing your goals and referencing them often helps keep you focused. The more aware of your goal that you are every day, the more likely you will be to make choices that will align you with acheiving your goal. When your goal is not in the forefront of your mind, or you allow yourself to forget about it, you will be setting yourself up for failure or delayed results.

Know your goal. That is the first step to acheiving it.

#2 Commit yourself to specified time blocks correlating to your goals.

As you plan out your weekly agenda, make sure you plan time in to take action that will help you achieve your goal. Do not allow your goals to become things that get accomplished only if you have time. You will NEVER have enough time. Make your goals a priority so that you can live the life you've always wanted to live.

#3 Make time for YOU.

Your YOU time is essential. Often times people get so caught up doing for others, that they never do for themselves. I see this to be a major obstacle in most processes toward success. You want to be successful? You do have to be selfish when it comes to achieving goals. The more goals you achieve, the more tools and resources you will have in the future to help others. What seems selfish, can inspire others. Change your mentality and make time for yourself.

#4 For each goal, take daily action.

Right along with setting aside time for your goal, you must also take action every single day. Have an extremely hectic schedule? Set aside a minimum of 20 minutes a day toward your goal. If your goal is to lose weight, set aside 20 minutes of running every day. As you progress, try adding 5 minutes on to your time each week & incorporate other activities in that you enjoy to ensure you stick with it.

#5 Keep a gratitude journal.

Gratitude and thankfulness is essential for happiness. Make sure that you keep a gratitude journal of all of the things you are thankful for. Even on your bad days when you can't think of anything to be thankful for, you can refer to previous days. Chances are, most of what you're thankful for won't change much from day to day. This is also a great way to keep yourself grounded and humble.

 

#6 Put a large daily calendar on your wall & mark your successes daily.

I have personally used a large daily wall calendar and post-it notes for the last several months to track my progress daily. Whatever you accomplish that day, whether it's going to the gym when you didn't want to go, or signing a new client - write it down! Put it on your wall, so you can see that you are making progress daily! All small progress adds up to big results, but it does take time!

#7 Set aside 20 minutes a day for reflection / meditation / relaxation or action planning.

It is absolutely essential to make sure you reflect on your day. What went well? What do you want to change? Do you just need silence amongst the chaos of life? Make sure you have a solid 20 minutes each day to reroute your mind toward your purpose for why you do what you do.

 

#8 Find joy in your routine.

At first everything can be motivating and fun, but overtime some of the fun just turns in to routine. Some days will become monotenous, and even boring. It is important to find joy in the daily routine; otherwise you`ll never stick to it.

 

#9 Do not underestimate the power of momentum.

When you're consistent, momentum will kick in! Trust me, there will be days that momentum seems to be the only thing carrying you. Momentum shouldn't be underestimated because it does make things easier. Once the ball is rolling, it takes more energy to stop it then it takes to just roll with it. Roll with it!

 

#10 Surround yourself only with those who speak life in to you life.

The people you surround yourself with have the ability to build you up or completely destroy you. Make sure the people in your life are supportive of your goals, and speak words of life and encouragement when you need them. The process is never easy, but always worth it! Find people who make your relationship efforts worth it.

#11 Find an accountability partner or hire a coach / trainer.

Find someone in your life who you can trust. Don't have anyone you can trust? Find on or hire one! Tell your goals to someone, and make sure they keep you accountable for your actions, or lack thereof. Make sure this person is dependable, and someone who you truly look up to. This person should be open and honest with you about your short-comings. Do not find a yes-man. Find someone real.

 

#12 Quit making excuses. Do not become a product of your circumstances.

Finally, STOP MAKING EXCUSES. We all have things that happen to us, but stop using them as a crutch for yourself. Get real. Get honest. You will never achieve anything great when you are negative, and always finding an excuse. Stick to your commitments no matter how you feel.

"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time."

-Arnold H Glasgow