Resolution Rules for 2017

The new year is right around the corner! For many of us this means a clean slate and an opportunity to do things a little differently. That's right, I'm talking about the good old fashioned new year's resolution. Unfortunately, it's been reported that only about 8% of people actually achieve their new year's resolution. If you are one of the other 92% don't worry, this year CAN be different if you follow these simple "Resolution Rules." Okay, so they are not so much hard and fast rules as they are strategies for success. It takes more than will power to see your goals through to completion, and we are equipping you with the tools to be successful.

If you've got  resolution or two for next year in mind, use the following strategies to plan for success. These "Rules" are based on the successes of the 8% and on the failures of the 92%.

1. Keep it simple - Choose one or two important resolutions and no more. If your goals compliment each other (ex: lose 20 pounds and stop drinking soda), even better. Too many resolutions or resolutions that are counterproductive will eventually become unsustainable.
2. Be specific - Resolutions that are "open ended" are less likely to be achieved because there is not a crystal clear objective. Example: spend more time with family - NOT specific. Have a family dinner together four times per week - VERY specific. Being very clear about what you want is the whole point of a resolution in the first place. Don't be afraid to write down your resolution in detail to make it tangible.
3. Be realistic - If you've never worked out before and you want to bench press 400 pounds in 2017, maybe you should go back to the drawing board. Maybe a good resolution in this case is to find a gym and a knowledgeable training partner and perform the bench press once per week. To be clear, you SHOULD pick resolutions that challenge you, maybe even scare you a little bit. However, you will be more successful if your resolution is within the realm of possibility. If you aren't sure how realistic your resolutions are, ask for the input of someone close to you. 
4. Keep score - "What gets measured gets done." This famous Peter Drucker quote hits on a very important point when it comes to your new year's resolution: it HAS to be measurable. Find a way to quantify your progress so that it's clear whether you are achieving your goals, or if you are not. This strategy also keeps you accountable to slow and steady progress. Getting 1% closer to your goal each day will likely lead to a favorable outcome.
5. Break it up - This is perhaps the most important strategy of all. A year is a long time and proper planning is a must. If you're committed to going the distance, set up distinct benchmarks. Think of it as dividing your resolution into "micro-resolutions," a series of small goals that compound to ultimately meet your objective. There are countless ways to divide up the year; 52 weeks, OR 12 months, OR four quarters, OR four seasons, etc. Setting these shorter timelines allows you to adapt to changes in your circumstances, sets you up for small victories throughout the year, and helps to keep you motivated. You can apply the previous four rules to each "micro-resolution" to increase your success.

These "Resolution Rules" are simple tools that you can use to achieve your goals in 2017. It's important to note that if for some reason you fall off track, simply re-evaluate and start over! Achieving long term goals often requires discipline and developing new habits. As always, we are here to support you in any way that we can. Here's to a prosperous and productive year in 2017!