Now that the first week of January has rolled around, we wanted to tune in to see how you are coming along with your New Year’s resolutions. Have you created a plan of action or are your resolutions more a wish than something you want to put into action?
Here are a few steps to get some clarity on your resolutions.
First off: think. Do not overwhelm yourself, and think of only one goal. If you have more than one goal, rank them and pick the one closest to your heart. Let’s say you want to fit into your skinny jeans you wore last summer by May 20, 2012.
A goal should be enticing as well as challenging. Here is where the 80/20 rule comes in. We as human beings learn 20% through inspiration/pleasure and 80% through pain.
Looking back you may realize that the greatest life lessons came from challenging situations and, yes, here and there you have been inspired to bring more “of you” to the table.
Now what does this 80/20 rule have to do with New Year’s resolutions?
In order to make sure that your New Year’s resolution does not just stay a “wish”, you want to put measures in place to motivate yourself on both ends:
20% Inspiration: Think of an enticing gift redeemable only by yourself when you reach the goal. Something out of the ordinary that you would not treat yourself to, for example a day at the spa, a weekend in Paris … something that is so enticing that will make you get up, see those skinny jeans and will make you want to follow through on your rituals!
80% Pain: At the same time you also want to think of something where the thought of it coming true would create a sense of anguish, something you would have to make yourself do if you do not follow through with your goal. Let’s say you are a devout Democrat so the imagination of donating $250 to the Republicans would probably make your hair stand up. Or you find yourself checking Facebook more often than necessary, so you commit to a 3 month period off Facebook; the key is to find something that makes you twitch.
Now the last thing you want to do is find someone who will hold you accountable.
Are you ready for the challenge? Share your resolutions in the comments below!
