Q Every year I say to myself: “This year, I am going to make changes in my life personally and professionally,” but at the end of each year I end up in the exact same place as I was the year before. I want this year to be different. What can I do?
A This is a question I get asked a lot, especially at this time of year.
Something often missed in the goal-setting process is underestimating the amount of time it will take to make the changes we are wanting.
We don’t make changes to our current schedule in order to make room for the changes we are wanting.
Life is busy. Most of us have too little time to do everything we are currently doing in our lives, let alone adding anything to it.
Albert Einstein wrote: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
You want to have different results? You’re going to have to carve out some time. That means other things that were taking your time are either going to have to be let go or you’re going to have to find/hire someone else to do them.
Here are some tips on how you can set yourself up for success this year:
Create a realistic, specific goal and write it down. Break your goal into smaller, short-term goals.
Take a hard look at what is currently taking your time. Block in time to devote to achieving your short-term goals.
Focus on the small changes by tracking your progress.
Create support and accountability within your social network. This is key! With a step-by-step approach and dedicated time in your schedule, you will achieve your goals.