Ready, Set, Goal! Part ll

According to the US Government, these are the most common failed New Year’s Resolutions:
Quit smoking
Drink Less Alcohol
Get a Better Education
Get a Better Job
Get Fit
Lose Weight
Manage Debt
Manage Stress
Save Money
Take a Trip
Volunteer to Help Others

The research also shows that by mid January 30% have scaled back their resolutions, and by June most have given them up totally. Only 12% achieve them.

My last blog was about the research that demonstrates what goes into successfully achieving a goal. So, since we’re getting close to mid January, it’s worth repeating!
-The more difficult the goal, the greater the achievement.
-Goals that are both specific and difficult lead to the highest achievement.
- Commitment, being determined and really wanting to achieve the goal is essential. Commitment to goals is belief that the goal is important and attainable.
-Some form of feedback and accountability for progress on goals contributes to goal achievement.

The things that are missing on the list of failed resolutions are specificity and accountability. So if you’re considering scaling back or dropping your goals for 2011, reconsider them, make them specific in a way that you can track your progress, get support and make yourself accountable for that progress. There are lots of tools that are available, like the Ready, Set, Goal form on the free resources page of my web site, www.EttieShapiro.com, or just a simple excel sheet.

Don’t’ give up! Get what you need to make this the year that you get what you want.