I’m not one for making New Year’s Resolutions. It’s no wonder with 23% of Americans giving up (their resolution) in the first week of the new year. The practice is inherently flawed and based on the premise that you need to change a behavior or adapt or break a habit. Change is something we humans don’t like. We prefer to stay in our own lane.
With only 9% of Americans keeping their resolutions, this rearview mirror approach doesn’t work. Who really believes making a simple declaration to change a behavior will stick, especially if it’s something you are not truly committed to change in the long run?
As an Executive Leadership Coach, I task my clients with being intentional and focusing on leveraging their accomplishments to affect positive change. You too can be successful by following these three steps to achieve your dreams in the new year.
Step one, reflect on your accomplishments from the prior year. Visualize an achievement that you are proud of. Ask yourself what you need to do to be this person every day, or at least most days. As an example, I am proud I won a new client that I spent countless hours pursuing. This took persistence and creativity to avoid coming up empty handed. The next time I get discouraged I will channel this version of myself who is determined, optimistic and prides herself in persevering. Show up as your best self in the new year by accessing this vision for yourself.
Step two, analyze what needs to be present to realize your best self. Do you need to acquire new skills? Build new relationships? Address a blind spot or development area? Gain feedback from colleagues, managers, family, and friends to zero in on the highest priority area(s). With the answers to these questions, prioritize the key actions you need to take that will result in the greatest impact.
Step three, put your insights into action. World renowned author and aviation pioneer, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said it best, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” It’s at this point where countless New Year’s resolutions fail. A plan is essential if you expect to achieve your goals. I especially like the WOOP approach, Wish, Outcome, Obstacles, and Plan, created by Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, to ensure success.
WOOP works for achieving both personal and professional goals. After setting your Wish, i.e., your goal, think through the Outcome you want to attain and how you will feel after realizing your goal. Emotions such as elated, fulfilled or even relieved come to mind. Next is reflecting on the Obstacles that could get in your way, especially your internal limitations. This is brilliant since you then create a Plan that will help you overcome these obstacles before you ever encounter them; instead of being blindsided when something goes awry.
Now ask yourself if you are fully committed to do whatever it takes to achieve your dreams. If the answer is yes, don’t delay and get started today.
SAGE Alliance, a Leadership Performance Company; provides executive coaching, team-building, industry leading assessments, workshops and speaking on topics including: building a high-performing team through coaching, developing and optimizing your top talent, delivering commanding communications, creating a lasting impression, making a greater impact through personal branding for executives and high-potentials – for both team and individual leaders.
Shelley Hammell, is the president, CEO and author of You Think You’re Coaching, But You’re Not! available HERE, and is available for book signings and speaking engagements.