Following through with plans for change

Something about the beginning of each year makes us want to create new plans. And by this time, we are often discouraged, having fallen off the resolution wagon again this year.

Here are some hints for following through with changes and intentions:

1.  Create a smaller goal for change. Instead of jumping into a 30-pound weight loss goal, write down a goal to eat healthier. What two or three small steps can you implement to make your goal happen? A smaller goal works because it is more attainable. Once we miss the first big goal by even a little, we often miss it by a lot. In contrast, once you eliminate the cookies and bring home vegetables, you have taken two quick steps that will support your weight loss goal.

2.  Focus on positive feelings you will have when you achieve a part of your goal. Using positive affirmations will help you focus. Your affirmation should be positive, include the emotion you will feel, and sound as if the goal is already achieved. For example, “I feel wonderful when I accomplish my targeted marketing goal and have new clients from the manufacturing sector.”

3.  Build an accountability partnership. Often, our goals are overshadowed by old habits and other priorities; they are new and not established in our schedules or our habits. By writing, discussing and committing to goals with an accountability partner, you increase your opportunities for success! Choose carefully for this important role. We are often surrounded by individuals, even family members, who can be negative or even sabotage our new goals. Your partner in this should be someone with whom you share respect, and who will tell you the truth – gently. Then set up a schedule of meetings or calls to set specific small goals, set deadlines or due dates, and then follow up on their accomplishment.

4.  If at first you don’t succeed… One of the most important times you’ll want support from your accountability partner is when you don’t achieve one of your goals by the due date. While you need to be accountable for completing your goal, it is even more important to discover why you did not. Realizing that old beliefs, self-sabotage or too low a priority have undermined your accomplishments serves as the starting point for trying again, with an even better chance for success.

Ginny McMinn is the founder and owner of McMinn HR, which provides human resources consulting, services and training. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Submitted photo