auto-115990_640

Ahh, the new year. For my family and me, New Year’s Day is a time to enjoy family and black-eyed peas. It marks the end of the holidays and all the celebratory eating that seems to come with it, and it marks the beginning of new challenges. Over the Christmas/Winter break, I tend to rest, read, binge watch, and spend time with extended family. (there’s nothing like a game of Taboo to get the blood flowing!) Then, I end the week with reflection, I clean out my closets and drop off donations. This physically and emotionally makes room for new things. Then we return to work to catch up on what was missed during the holiday all the while thinking of what changes you’re going to make.

In preparation for all this “newness”, allow me to share some questions you may want to ask yourself:

  1. Why am I making changes? Are you making a change because it’s necessary (for a defined benefit), or because you’re bored with what you have? Sometimes people make change for the sake of changing, and find that they didn’t really need to move that cheese after all. Figuring out the real motivation for change will help you stick with it, or allow you to put your efforts elsewhere.
  2. What do I need to change? To satisfy your “why”, you’ll want to come up with a clear “what”. This will also require some soul searching. Do you need a new car or just a new coat of paint? Maybe you just need to tweak something instead of inventing a whole new wheel. Consider doing an old thing a new way. Sometimes changing a running route can motivate you to run more consistently.
  3. How will you create (or apply) the change? It’s easy to say “I’ll start running” or “I’ll read more”, but how will you actually achieve it? The key is to set SMART goals – Specific – Measurable – Attainable – Realistic – Time-Bound. The only difference between a dream and a goal is a deadline and a plan. For example, “I’ll run 3 miles per week” or “I’ll read 2 business books per month”. These can be measured, and that is a key element to success.

 

Need help setting and sticking with your goals? Coaching helps you move forward and stay the course. How do I know? I got one myself! I’m looking forward to great things this year, and I pray that for you as well.