Getting on the Road to Success: Turning Resolutions into Real Change

Focus Newsletter, Winter 2007

Need a little resolution resuscitation? Instead of letting that resolution slip into unconsciousness, or letting it die altogether, let’s revive it and help it live on.

In order to get you started on the road to real change, here’s my Road Map of “Who, What, Why When, Where and How.” Create your own personal road map by answering each of these questions for you and your resolution. And be sure to do it when you’re ready - without procrastinating of course - and don’t think you have to be ready to start on January 1st, unless you feel like it….

• Who’s driving and who’s with you?

Accountability works, so get someone involved to whom you can be accountable or rely on for support. Talk to a trusted friend or colleague and recruit them for simply checking in or being a good listener at times. These will be the people in the passenger seat, keeping you company and cheering you on.

• What’s your destination?

Identify and document your resolution or goal. What is it you want to do, change or improve? Think about it. If you write it down, it’s more likely to be achieved because you’ve thought it through and identified it as a real and obtainable goal. What’s the very first thing you can do, something small if necessary, in order to get started?

• Why are you going there?

Make sure your resolution is a meaningful and realistic goal and that you’re doing it for you and no one else. Ask yourself these questions:

• Why you want to pursue this resolution? What are all the reasons it’s a good move?
• How will you feel once you’ve reached your goal or destination?
• What’s the expected outcome of follow-through on this resolution? What great results, rewards or benefits will you reap?

If you’re not sure why you are pursuing a goal, you’re less likely to get there. Conversely, if you identify with the end result and picture yourself living it, you’re more likely to keep pursuing your resolution and see it to through the end. The founder of Saks Fifth Avenue, David Campbell, once said, “Discipline is remembering what you want.” Think about that every time you feel yourself veering off the road… Drive a little every day and stay on course.

• When are you driving and when do expect to get there?

What times of day will be you thinking of this resolution or practicing it? Know when you anticipate reaching your goal too. An ambiguous target is hard to reach. In addition, know when your focus and your efforts will be most necessary for success. You may have to deal with detours or stop for a little maintenance, which is ok, but build in time for these. Anticipate the pitfalls and challenges and, most of all, be prepared. Nothing beats a prepared mind.

• Where are you driving to reach your destination?

Similar to “When,” identify all the circumstances and locations where you could work on this resolution. Know what direction you’ll take to practice your commitment, making it come to life. Is it at work or at home – or both? Is it a new way of thinking that can be practiced anywhere? If you know ahead of time where you will pursue your resolution, you’ll be more likely to make it happen because you’ll be in the right place to make it a reality.

• How will you get there?

Last but not least, know how you will reach your destination – your new way of living. Here are some points to keep in mind:

• What steps will you take each day to help you get ahead? Think about the very first thing you can do, something small, in order to get started. It doesn’t have to be a monumental step and you don’t have to cover a thousand miles right away to get this going.
• Document milestones you expect to achieve along the way.
• Make sure your calendar provides the time you need to pursue your resolution or to reflect on it and measure your success.
• Put an encouraging reminder in a place where you’ll see it everyday if that helps.
• Be sure to reflect on how far you’ve come. Look back at the road you’ve covered. This will help you feel good about continuing to reach your destination.

So turn your New Year’s Resolution in real change and remember that you can start at ANY time of the year. Documenting your goal (your destination – where are you going?), the process (what roads will you take and when?) and your progress (how far have I come?) is your road map and if you don’t have a map, then how will you know how to get there…or when you’ve arrived?

Best wishes to you on your road to success!