New Year’s Resolutions… I’m not a big fan! And if you’re honest with yourself, neither are you! Although your intentions are noble, your follow through often lacks the teeth required to make lasting changes. You’re not alone…
In an article published by the Huffington Post, a survey revealed that a full 11% of respondents had stopped pursuing their resolutions by the end of the first week of January, and nearly 68% of people surveyed had abandoned them before the end of the month! That’s why New Year’s Resolutions are often referred to as a to-do list for the first week of January. Beyond that, they are often nothing more than a painful reminder of a goal not achieved.
Unfortunately, this happens all too often. And not just at the dawn of a new year! Whenever you get determined enough to make a change in your life (or sick and tired enough of your current reality), you declare, “That’s it! From now on, I am going to ______________________ (fill in the blank with your goal).” The process that follows usually looks something like this.
- You set a goal to achieve success in some area of your life or business (lose weight, stop smoking, be a better leader, work fewer hours and spend more time at home, etc.)
- You make a list of the activities required to achieve your goal. For example, if weight loss is your resolution, you might list activities such as go to the gym, go on a diet, walk three times a week, etc.
- You start engaging in the activities you listed above.
You know the stuff you should do to achieve success, and you start doing it. But before long, you fall back to the stuff you actually do, and find yourself way off course. The stuff you should do would lead to the changes that you seek, but the stuff you actually do (your habits) keeps you stuck in mediocrity. If you’re going to change, you need to change your habits!
So what is the best New Year’s Resolution ever? The answer can be found by accepting the following reality. Read this statement very carefully: Real, lasting change cannot be achieved in isolation. Read it again, out loud this time: Real, lasting change cannot be achieved in isolation. Got it? That’s the key! If you want to change, get support! Surround yourself with people who will help you change your habits, and in turn, change your life!
Resolve not to go it alone! Become accountable. Build a team around yourself that will help to guarantee your success. Join a Mastermind Group. Get a coach. Do whatever it takes to make sure you don’t end up becoming another statistic. Whatever you do, surround yourself with the right people… the kind of people that will lift you up and encourage you to stay the course!
I can’t think of a better New Year’s Resolution. Can you?
Why not resolve to make lasting change TODAY? Start by taking our FREE 10-Minute Opportunity Assessment? In 10 minutes, you’ll have taken your first critical step to understanding exactly what needs to happen in your business next.
Eric Deschamps | Ottawa Business Coach
Co-Leader of Rhapsody Strategies
“Helping others succeed has always been my passion. There is no greater feeling in the world than coming alongside someone and empowering them to achieve their goals and dreams.” I work with individuals with a single and simple purpose: to help them define and attain their goals, one step at a time. Through the coaching relationship, I help business owners and professionals achieve more by delivering world-class growth strategies, tools and advice individually tailored to each owner and his/her business.