In our last segment, we talked through strategies to craft resolutions with sticking power. How to step off the carousel of recycling last year’s goals and write aims that you feel good about.
In this Part 2, we’re talking strategy. You’ve got a set of shiny S.M.A.R.T. goals all spelled out. What steps, preparations and actions can you put into practice to super charge your goal-getting power?
#1. Take (a little) Time to Plan
True and lasting change takes time. It also requires you have the tools and resources necessary to follow-through. Simple, right? Sometimes, when we’re excited to get started, we overlook this preparation stage and that can hamstring our long-term success (or worse, sideline us with an injury or deep frustration).
In behavior change research, there’s a well-known theory called the Stages of Change. It details over several stages how we transition from Pre-contemplation into Action (and sometimes back, again, because life is complicated). How soon do you want to get started? What do you need to put into place before embarking on a new exercise regimen, quitting an addiction or finding a fabulous, new career?
Do you need a cute, comf pair of Asics? Warm workout gear? A set of folders on your desktop to track all your fancy new work opportunities? An upbeat Spotify mix to keep you focused while revising that resume? Take time to pull together the tools and support that will smooth and support your path.
At the very least, we’ve got to carve out time for this new endeavor. What scheduling jujitsu is required to fit this activity into an already stacked schedule?
If that question is triggering, consider: can you break the activity into less time? A 10-minute walk around the block still counts as exercise. Fifteen minutes spent collecting a list of contacts for outreach is still progress.
The key is steady, incremental, consistent action.
Plan for success and you’re more likely to achieve it.
#2: Revisit your Resolutions on the Regular
This time of year, we hear a lot about failed resolutions. No. Such. Thing.
“I’ve not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 that won’t work.” -Thomas Edison, a most prodigious inventor and filer of +1,000 patents.
Let that sink in. It’s truth. So long as you don’t abandon your goals, set-backs are just insights. More information.
Part of growing self-awareness is learning what trips us up and making adjustments. Life happens. The cat vomits in the living room. You step in it. Worse yet, your kid steps in it.
Take time to reflect on your progress (weekly is best). What worked and what didn’t? What got in your way? What went smoothly? How you can refine your approach to do better next time?
Why didn’t I meditate on Saturday morning? I got distracted lounging on the couch in my pjs and browsing Labradoodle pics on Instagram. Lesson learned: don’t open Insta until after you’ve meditated. Or, on days I want to take it slow, make plans to meditate before bed.
Okay, I can hear you…“What if I’m repeatedly struggling to follow-through?”
#3: Resolutions Can be Reworked
Despite your best efforts, you set some Olympian-level resolutions and have fallen short.
It’s okay, darlin. One step at a time. Hello, you’re human!
Again, persistence wins. If you quit and toss all those goals into the recycle bin for 2022, you’re that much farther from the expansive life and tasty career you desire. Avoid this like mixing plaid.
Instead, let’s step back. What’s going on right now? Big work obligations? Pandemic burnout? Loneliness? Parental stress? Financial strain? Give yourself some space and grace.
Pick ONE resolution to prioritize. What’s in it for you? Is it deeply aligned with your values? If so, can you schedule to take *some* action on it 2 weeks from today?
Now revisit the priority resolution: How big is it? Can you trim it a bit? Break it into more immediate milestones?
Maybe instead of writing a bestselling novel, your goal becomes writing a short story and submitting it by June.
Ready for a major career change? Instead of landing your dream job in 6 months your goal becomes growing your professional network by 20% and identifying 3 stellar organizations you’d love to work for.
Celebrate some success and then rework and raise your goal—resolution upgrade!
Winning Resolution Strategies
Once you’ve written meaningful resolutions, build the groundwork and routines to achieve them.
1. Plan time to take preparation steps—scheduling actions, purchasing equipment and getting organized.
2. Check in with yourself weekly and reflect on your progress. What’s working? What's not?
3. If struggling or frustrated, revisit your resolutions and reprioritize. Consider chasing one at a time and recalibrate your expectations.
Want more? Download our Goal-getter Checklist for more guidance and ideas.
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