Less than five percent of the folks who make New Year’s resolutions actually make the change permanently. For everyone else it is around now, a mere three weeks after resolution d-day, that all those great plans get dropped. Three weeks of great expectations, yield to the realization it takes long term, consistent effort to succeed.
Here’s why resolutions fail, and what you can do to put yourself in the successful 5%.
Too Big, Too Fast
Almost everyone makes resolutions that are pie in the sky. They expect immediate results, too. To successfully achieve your new aspirations, you need to start small and slowly build momentum. Like a flywheel, if you try to spin it up fast you will simply hurt yourself. But if you keep putting more and more energy into it over time, it will become an unstoppable force.
Not S.M.A.R.T.
Vague goals without a way of measuring progress are doomed from the start. Instead set S.M.A.R.T. goals:
a. Specific – Define all the components to achieving your goal.
b. Measurable – Set quantifiable goals, so you can measure your progress.
c. Accountable – Nothing keeps you on track like an accountability partner.
d. Realistic – If you don’t believe it, you won’t achieve it. Keep it realistic.
e. Time – Commit to a date and time that you’ll complete your goal.
Waiting For New Year’s
Most failed resolutions are planned today, but the start date is schedule for New Years. It is the ultimate “manana” syndrome. The key to successfully achieving a goal is to start working toward it immediately. The second your resolution is defined, get to work on it NOW. Then never quit.
Want to one of the 5% folks this year? Follow these three rules and change up your resolution if you must, but whatever you do don’t quit, and you will be.
By Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
