How to Write New Year’s Resolutions that Stick

photography by Bob Jagendorf

The New Year is upon us. Say goodbye to 2007 and hello to 2008. It’s that time again to set some goals for the new year, make a sincere effort for a few weeks, experience limited or no results, frustration sets in, doubt creeps in, schedule gets busy, a couple of months roll by — what were my goals again?

If this sounds all too familiar to you, don’t worry because you’re not alone. Most people have no problem coming up with their goals. It’s achieving them that’s the hard part. If you’re committed to making some changes next year, follow these tips on writing New Year’s Resolutions you’ll actually achieve.

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Step 1: Reflect

Before you go down the path of setting your goals for the year, take a moment and reflect. Is this really important to me? Am I committed to seeing this through? What is making me want to improve this area in my life? If you can answer these questions and your goals still feel worthy, then proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Make them SMART

All the experts say to make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely). In order to make a goal SMART, let’s look at a common goal many people have that is to make more money.

Poorly Written Goal: I’d like to make more money.

SMART Goal: I’d like to be making $75,000 in work income by the end of the year.

Tip: Break large goals down into several small goals. For example, if your goal is to be 170 lbs by the end of the year, then set a target weight you’d like to be at the beginning of each month.

Step 3: Write them down

One of the most important steps to pursuing your goals is to actually write them down. This is an often overlooked step, but it is essential. Many studies have proven that the simple act of writing your goals down greatly improves your chances of accomplishing them.

The number of goals you decide to write is up to you, but make sure it is reasonable. The last thing you want to do is create a long list of items that seems overwhelming when you’re done. When you’ve finished writing, sign and date it. Remember you’re serious about your goals this time and it is sort of like a written contract for yourself so don’t worry about this feeling silly.

Tip: Put your finished list in a place where you will see it often. A great place to put it is on the back of your door. Before you leave the house every morning, you will see it. Others will see it and will probably ask you about it or remind you about it. Other good places include the refrigerator door, computer wallpaper or even the bathroom mirror.

Step 4: Tell the world

When you’re the only person who knows your goals, it’s much easier to let yourself off the hook when you hit a rough patch. If you tell others about your goals, it puts pressure on yourself. It also forces you to be accountable for the goals you set for yourself. If you are uncomfortable with telling people, then tell at least a few friends, family or co-workers that you trust. These people will sometimes remind you or ask you how the goals are coming along.

Tip: If you start to tell a lot of people about your goals, you just might find someone who has the same goal. Team up with them. Having an ally to share the experience is invaluable.

Step 5: Track your progress

Tracking your goals is like playing Fantasy Sports. You don’t just set your roster at the beginning of the season and expect to win. You must review and tweak it often to really have a chance at winning. Whether you track and review your goals weekly, monthly or quarterly, this is vital to achieving your goals.

Tip: Use Excel to track your progress. Create a spreadsheet with your goals written on several rows and then months of the year in columns. On a monthly basis, you can review your progress and write down what you did each month to help move your goal along.

Step 6: Celebrate

Give yourself a small reward after accomplishing a goal or a portion of your goal. Goal setting doesn’t have to be painful or discouraging. Celebrate your success and it will often lead to more of the same.

There you have it. Follow these tips and you should be on your way to a banner year in 2008.

If you have other helpful tips on making resolutions that stick, be sure to leave a comment.

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