As each New Year approaches, everyone is generally so excited because “This is going to be the year that {fill-in-the-blank} happens.” Fitness Center memberships are off the chart, people want to stop smoking, go to school, get a better job, go to church, get involved, manage their money better, and the “Self-Help/Life-Improvement” list goes on and on. All of these things are great and well intentioned; the problem is they don’t last.
The quote, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” is definitely applicable when it comes to this time of year and New Year’s resolutions. According to the research from Proactive Change, nearly 50% of American adults will make at least 1 New Year’s resolution, and the majority of these resolutions won’t be maintained for more than 30 days. The study also shows that 75% of the resolutions will be broken in the first week, and by the end of the year, 97% of New Year’s resolutions won’t be kept.
Personally, I have set many goals for this year, and the majority of them revolve around these two words: “No Excuses.” I really believe that this is going to be the year of BIG things happening, No Settling, No Excuses! Not only is it going to be “A BIG Year” for me, but I believe it can be “A BIG Year” for you as well. Here are 12 Ways to Guarantee Success in 2012:
1. Put God First
Seek Him, Read His Word, Pray, Serve, Give, Listen to God’s Whispers…
2. Make Family a Top Priority
This should be a “No Brainer”; unfortunately, it’s often neglected. Involve your family, make time for your family, have a family night…Be the Family! Gather together and set individual and family goals for 2011.
3. Set SMART Goals
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Based. There are variations of this Acronym, click here for more.
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4. Simplify
Stop making things so difficult; do what’s right, and do what’s necessary.
5. Don’t Talk About It…
Be About It. If you say that you’re going to do something, do it!
6. Get Accountability
Share your goals, visions, and desires with someone and ask them to hold you accountable. Don’t just ask them for accountability; let them truly hold you accountable.