[StBernard] New Year's Resolutions Can Change Your Life

[Westley Annis]

New Year's Resolutions Can Change Your Life
We have all been in such a survival mode since Katrina, that even the
thought of setting New Year's resolutions seems like an unnecessary
complication to our already hectic lives.
 
After all, who really keeps their New Year's resolutions?  Health clubs seem
to be busting at the seams in January, but the crowds seem to taper off
around Mardi Gras.  So why even bother?
 
New Year's resolutions can literally change your life.  
 
The reason that most resolutions go by the wayside is that they are not set
properly and there is no follow up system to help you measure and maintain
your progress.  The good news is that anyone can set achieve their New
Year's resolutions by following the proven goal setting system below: 
 
Remember that your resolutions are simply goals and in order to the most
effective, goals need to be: 

*	
	Written: anything that is not in writing is just a wish. Committing
your goal to paper is a major step towards this accomplishment.
*	
	Specific: Details are the foundation of goal setting. The more
specific you are in establishing your goals, the more likely it is that you
will accomplish them. For example, the goal that you want to lose weight and
start exercising is not nearly specific enough. Determine how many pounds
that you want to lose and commit to a specific diet and exercise program.
*	
	Measurable: the more that you can measure your goal, the easier it
is to track your progress. It is often hard to determine whether you have
achieved a goal which cannot be measured. Weight loss plans for example, all
require daily weigh ins to determine your progress.
*	
	Achievable: goals set need to be realistic. Achievable goals are
those which are just out of reach but not out of sight.

 
So take the time to think your resolutions through instead of simply jotting
down a few vague notions or worse yet, not taking the time at all to plan.
Also try to set goals in several important areas of your life such as
emotional, financial, relationships, physical and career.  The closer you
follow the process the more likely that you will achieve your goals.  Any
goal which is not written, specific, measurable and achievable is just a
wish.
 
The next step is follow through, which is to:
1.                  Break down each goal into activities.  Major goals, such
as establishing a plan for financial independence, all can be broken down to
activities such as meeting with a financial advisor, preparing a budget,
etc.  
2.                  Schedule the activities.
3.       Review and follow up on a weekly basis.
 
Review your goals on a weekly basis and plan your week in advance. PDA's and
planning software have made this process much easier.  However, don't use a
planning system which is too cumbersome. The most advanced organizing system
won't benefit you if you don't use it. For many, simply jotting a To Do list
for the upcoming week and day works just fine. 
 
In addition, don't neglect recreational activities. Plan movies and dates
with your spouse or significant other during the middle of the week. This
can refresh you and keep you going. Once a week, review your major goals and
then plan the activities the next week. This simple system is often
underutilized. 
 
Remember although you may not be able to achieve everything that you want
you can achieve practically anything you want provided that you plan
effectively.  Plan your work and then work your plan.
 
Good luck and have a Great 2008! If you found this information useful,
please feel free to forward it to family and friends
 
Rep. Tim Burns
 
 
Rep. Tim Burns is a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives and the
author of Midlife Tune-Up.  For more information on goal setting and the
"tune up" process see www.midlifetuneup.com <http://www.midlifetuneup.com/>
.
 

www.timburns.com <http://www.timburns.com/>