It’s that time of year again – to plan our New Year’s Resolutions. Or, as some like to put, good intentions gone astray. A recent survey found that 80% of all New Year’s resolutions fail. 51% of people don’t have any and of those who do, 79% of them don’t have a plan to achieve them. That leaves only 9% of folks who are serious about achieving their goals.
The truth is, with a simple P.L.A.N., like anything else in life, resolutions can be accomplished.
P = PREPARE
The first step is to prepare. Visualize what it is you want. Be as specific as possible. Attach positive emotions to your visualizations. Then, once you have that in your mind, take a few minutes and write them down in the first person as if they were already done. Place a deadline of when you want it accomplished. Also, write down the reward you will give yourself once you’ve achieved your goal.
Next, write down at least three mini-milestones for each goal. This way, you can check your progress and make any corrections as you need to. Also, be realistic. If your goal is to lose 20 lbs, don’t expect it to be done within the first 6 wks.
L = LIST
Next, the list. Take a look at the goals you want to reach and decide
A = ADJUST
Your environment has a direct impact on how successful you are going to be in achieving your goals. Look around and see what can hold you back and what can propel you forward. What do you need to add or get rid of? Right now, take a look and take an active role in adjusting your environment to set the stage for success.
N = NETWORK
Build your support system or network that will help keep you on track and refocus you when you need it. Know that you are going to have good and bad days. Accept them and continue to move forward toward your goal. Have a buddy that you trust who will be there to give you a little nudge when you feel that the hill may be getting a little too steep or slippery.
When you use the P.L.A.N. steps you are setting yourself up for success. It is challenging to change our behavior, but once done, the success is sweet. And truly, successful goals are 90% planning and 10% implementation.
Why not add attending a
RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) class to your list of goals and increase your safety and self-confidence in the process?
Have a Safe, Happy and Healthy New Year and May all your resolutions bear successful fruit! May you be one of the successful 9% in 2010!!
**Angie M. Tarighi is the CEO/Founder of Women’s Self-Defense Institute providing self defense training, education awareness & personal protection products empowering women to fight back against crime.
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