By Cassie McCully
There are various approaches that people take when it comes to resolutions and New Year. Some make a resolution, while some don't. Some make three. Some resolutions are about quitting bad habits, others are to implement better ones. Some people choose a single word like "Simplify," or "fearlessness" to focus on for the next twelve months. Some people create a list of all the things that they hope to accomplish throughout the year.
Regardless of how you approach the New Year, there is one trait that is the driving force for success.
Determination.
Simple, right?
Not always. Here's three steps to stay determined and focused to accomplish what is that you have in mind for 2013.
1. Be passionate. Let's be honest. You have to be convicted and passionate about the things you are resolving to do. If you know you shouldn't be five or ten minutes late to everything you attend, but don't really care about your perpetually lateness, scratch it off the list. There must be a driving force behind your resolution. If you recognize that your perpetual lateness is tacky, and you're tired of it, that may be enough. But a reason such as, "I don't want to be late because it is inconsiderate to those who are waiting for me," gives more meaning for the change, making it easier to change the bad habit.
2. Be specific. Write down your resolutions or your list to accomplish, and be specific. Vagueness--"I want to be more generous," isn't specific enough. Instead, think of ten ways you can be generous and do them (i.e. help a friend clean their house, take your girlfriend dinner for a week after she has her baby, pay a bill that you know a family member or a friend is struggling to make). Being specific will help you accomplish your goals, and crossing off the specifics will be a motivator in itself.
3. Prioritize. What must be accomplished to see your goal through? Are you wanting to save money on groceries and be a consistent meal planner this year? Research the strategies that will make it easier for you to reach your goal, then list them. Print off helpful worksheets, schedule an afternoon to meal plan, make time to look for deals and coupons, and schedule a grocery shopping day. Prioritizing will help you meet your goal, and minimize stress in the meantime.
So, have you began to take the steps to accomplish your resolutions or goals this year? You've got this! Keep determined and 2013 will be a great and empowering year!
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