New Year’s Resolution Mid-Year Check-up

Did you set a Big Goal for the year?

Have you made progress toward that goal?

Are you working daily toward reaching your goal?

Back in March, I shared some thoughts on goal setting for the New Year. Here’s another one – nearly 90% of New Year’s Resolutions fail within the FIRST MONTH! Now that we’re at the half-way point of 2015, it seems like a good time to do a check-up on your progress.

According to the website Quirkology.com, “At the start of the [2007] study, 52% of participants were confident of success. One year later, only 12% actually achieved their goal.”

Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound a week, instead of saying “lose weight”), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.

For men, specific, measurable goals that are realistic and have a deadline will lead to a greater chance of success. Mapping out a plan for success, with incremental mini-goals to help you get there, along with a journal of your progress will go a long way toward keeping you on track for reaching your goal.

For women, the key to success seems to be letting others know by going public with your new goal. The support of others is essential to the success women find in achieving their resolutions so, don’t be shy about your goals.

Your yearly resolutions are about changing habits, which can take some time and, occasionally, you may revert to your old habits. The key to success is to not give up just because you had a setback. Simply recommit and refocus, then get back to working your plan.

Let’s keep it simple. When working toward a new goal, consider:

• Take small steps toward your goal
• Record your efforts and results daily
• Be positive in spite of setbacks
• If progress is slow use a healthy mix of discernment (Is this goal worth it to me? Is it right for me?) and will power (keep going)

Above all, forgive yourself when you slip, then rededicate yourself to success.

Filed in: Personal Growth | Tags: changing habits, goal setting, goal setting for men, goal setting for women, reaching your goals, set a deadline to reach your goals, setting realistic goals, successful goal setting, successful resolutions, working toward a new goal