We are well into the New Year, yes, three weeks and a day. According to the “Internet,” 21 days is the time needed to successfully integrate a new habit. If you have set New Year’s resolutions or other goals, how are you doing?
Yep, change is difficult. Period. If you dig deeper in the Internet you will find other sources that say 66 days are required for a new habit to become ingrained.
Let’s stop right here and clear up some things. Have you noticed that I have used habits, goals and resolutions somewhat interchangeably in the preceding paragraphs? We tend to mix these terms up and use them in different ways. If you have set goals or made resolutions for the upcoming year, let’s clarify these terms so that it is clear what we are working to accomplish.
- Resolution describes what comes as a result of resolve, that is, to make a definite and serious decision to do something.
- A goal is something that you are working to achieve.
- Habit is a usual way of behaving: something that a person does often in a regular and repeated way. Habits can be both good and bad.
You can see how resolution and goal can be used interchangeably, yet they can also be very different. I resolve to be a better parent (resolution) by having breakfast every day with my children (goal). The resolution is acted upon by the goal and then the goal becomes a habit (and a good one!).
The starting point is a resolution and/or goal. So let’s start with the keys to successful goal-setting.
- A specific outcome written down.
- A specific, meaningful reason for the outcome/change.
- Belief that you can change.
- A time frame to measure your progress.
- Small, even tiny steps, to take – your action plan.
- A system to review and evaluate progress.
- Your celebration of progress and the end result.
Now you have the tools, the checklist to take you in the direction of your goals, dreams and resolutions. How do you make it happen? How do you make it relevant to you? Join us on Thursday, January 28th for an in-depth and interactive Expert Series call on Goal-Setting.