How to Achieve Your 2018 Resolutions
By Ibby Smith Stofer
As the new year begins we have the chance to reflect on the prior year’s accomplishments and learning experiences. This provides a great opportunity to recall feelings of success, and look for what could have made a difference when we may have missed the mark.
A new opportunity is knocking on our door if we are listening. That opportunity requires us to answer some questions about what we will do differently in 2018.
Let’s begin with some generic questions that can apply to both work and our personal lives.
What do you want to accomplish in 2018?
What do you need to do today to make that happen?
What will you need to actually do that?
How will you know if you are on track to achieve your goal?
The new year is a perfect time to reflect on your current job situation and make goals. For example, if you are a clinician, perhaps your goal is to work with children rather than your current position at a nursing home. Or, if you are in sales, perhaps you want to achieve the incentive trip to Tahiti, or you simply don’t want to lose your best customer.
Many of the above questions will be part of your 2018 business plan but it may also include things like:
How am I going to expand my knowledge of the industry or profession I am in or the one I want to pursue?
How will I know if there is an opening in the area I want to work in?
What are the specific requirements needed to move up the ladder and/or get a raise?
In all instances knowing and committing to what you want to achieve is the first step in achieving it. It continues with writing down the specific steps along with time frames for completion. These steps will allow you to have a roadmap that you can follow to get to the destination. Share your goals with someone who will help you celebrate mini successes along the way, who will boost you up, and help keep you on track. This is often a key to success.
When you experience delays or setbacks don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead think of the whole process as an adventure, like a road trip. Sharing a road trip with someone is like sharing your goals with someone. They know where you want to go, they will encourage you, and they will enjoy your success and allow you to see past any roadblocks or detours you encounter. You would not set out on a road trip without knowing where you want to go - the end goal. Each road trip generally includes many pit stops. These stops allow chances to celebrate how far you’ve come and change your planned route if necessary.
Many great things are ahead in 2018. It is important that you are committed to your plan and focus on achieving the goals you set. At times, we do not achieve our goals, but it is always better to have a direction and purpose. You cannot expect different results if you are continually doing the same things.