Wow! So here we are again, in the infancy of a brand New Year. Is it just me or does the sand in the hour glass fall faster each year? The funny thing about January is that we almost undeniably catch ourselves asking, “What was I doing this time last year? Where was I? Heck, what were my last new years resolutions?” There is something peculiar about this time of year that causes us to reflect on our lives and review our priorities–at least that’s the intention.
5 Key New Years Success Tips
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Healy]Kent Healy
Wow! So here we are again, in the infancy of a brand New Year. Is it just me or does the sand in the hour glass fall faster each year?
The funny thing about January is that we almost undeniably catch ourselves asking, “What was I doing this time last year? Where was I? Heck, what were my last new years resolutions?” There is something peculiar about this time of year that causes us to reflect on our lives and review our priorities–at least that’s the intention.
But why is January the primary time for reflection? Maybe it’s because the hectic holiday season has come to an end and we finally have some time to think about life: what we want to do, be, and have. Or maybe it’s because we’re just plain shocked that we made it through the last year in one piece! The reasons may be different for each person, but there is one thing that remains common among all of us: the fact that a new calendar year has begun.
The New Year appears to be a time when we can finally wipe our slate clean and set some new ground rules for ourselves. The challenge we all face, however, is the question of, “How am I going to see these resolutions through? How can I stick with them and be sure I will accomplish them?” Very good question.
As I’m sure you’ve discovered, even having the right intentions isn’t enough to bring us success. I remember someone once saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” And we definitely don’t want to end up there! So if setting positive New Year resolutions is not enough, what matters is how we get ourselves to take action and follow through with our new goals.
Over the past few years, I thought I had come up with some really good methods to help me stay on track, but I’ve also learned never to underestimate the significance of interviewing other people. I came back with some very good points that might help you make 2009 a year to be really proud of. . .
#1 – Use the power of emotion: Have you ever noticed how those people who consistently follow through with their goals also get really excited about them? The excitement comes from focusing on how achieving a specific resolution will make their lives better. The goal itself is seldom enough to motivate us to get started and follow through when times get tough. However, if we’re crystal clear on WHY we must accomplish this goal, we will find out HOW to do it. If we get excited enough about the result, we will persevere, try hard, and find a way to make it work.
Here are some helpful questions to ask that will help create some extra motivation:
* What will I miss out on if I don’t follow through?
* How will my life be better if I take action and follow through with my New Year resolution?
#2 – Make it a must: Many of us make the mistake of doing things because we think we “should” do them. The problem with saying we “should” do something is that we will only get to it if it’s convenient. This year, make you New Year resolutions as “must” so they become a priority.
#3 – Schedule tune-up sessions: Life moves fast-and it won’t wait for us to stay on top of our goals. Try scheduling some appointments with yourself during the year to review your resolutions at least once a month. It may be helpful to do this with a partner so youcan keep each other accountable.
#4 – Create consequences: Who enjoys facing “the consequences?” I sure don’t know anyone who does. For that reason, creating some unique consequences can become a powerful source of motivation. One way to commit to yourself is to create some consequences for not following through.
Here’s how it works: If the consequence you have created is more painful than the perceived discomfort of your goal, then naturally you’ll want to avoid the pain (the consequence in this instance) and as a result you will take action.
For example, if you don’t complete your goal by “X” then you have to roll a pea down the sidewalk with your nose. Or if you don’t follow through, you have to eat a spider. Whatever it is just be creative and make the consequences worse than simply following through with your goal.
#5 – Reward yourself: Allow yourself to experience the sweet taste of victory. If you’ve made a substantial amount of progress or you have completed your goal, treat yourself to something you enjoy doing. This will help reinforce your behavior so accomplishing other tasks or goals in your life will become easier and more enjoyable.
Happy New Year!
Much success to you,
– Kent Healy
At a young age reality gave Kent D. Healy a wake up call. He realized that he was not getting taught the important life-skills in school that he needed to become successful in the real world. Kent then partnered with his brother at age 17 to write his first book, “Cool Stuff” They Should Teach In School.
Since the book has been released, the overwhelming positive feedback has driven him to start his own publishing company called “Cool Stuff” Media, Inc. The success of this company and the personal development material created by Kent has made him one of the most popular and sought-after young experts on the topic of success.
Kent is a columnist, personal life coach, entrepreneur, and speaker. He has teamed up with some of the world’s most respected leaders in the field of psychology and personal transformation-including the recent release of his book, The Success Principles for Teens which he co-authored with Jack Canfield.
Whether you’re looking for motivation, self-improvement information, parenting tips & resources, class educational materials, or more FREE stuff, be sure to visit http://www.coolstuffmedia.com to see the many different ways we can help you. Hope to hear from you soon.
Follow Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Kent_Healy
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