January is right around the corner and everybody will be making their New Year’s resolutions…again.
Lose 15 pounds. Quit the job they hate. Finish their business website. Write that book.
Each year, hordes of people list their goals with the very best of intentions, but we all know that by mid-February, the momentum and motivation has died and people are back to their old ways…again.
Perhaps you’re even one of those people…are you?
Simply put, New Year’s resolutions don’t work because people focus on what they want, not how they’re going to do it.
Resolutions don’t work because:
- They focus on the outcome without addressing the change in behavior and mindset that you’ll need to achieve what you want.
- There’s too many factors out of your control, which leaves the successful accomplishment of the goal up to chance.
- They’re usually too vague and not specific enough to sustain motivation and consistent action.
- When you think in terms of outcomes you want, the list tends to get so big that it becomes overwhelming and will soon be ignored.
Instead of merely setting goals and resolutions, I help my executive life coaching and health coaching clients create Well-Designed Actions instead.
Well-Designed Actions (WDAs) focus on the process of achieving what you want that helps you sustain long-term motivation and inspiration. WDAs help you create useful habits that support lifelong transformation.
Well-Designed Actions have four criteria:
- They’re stated in the positive. WDAs focus on a small action step that are you going to do, not what you’re not going to do. For example, focusing on making a healthy choice at lunch every day this week versus I won’t eat junk food at lunch. You see? You focus on what you do want, not what you don’t want.
- They’re completely in your control. Goals and resolutions usually have factors that are beyond your control, but WDAs put you in the driver’s seat where you have complete control over the success or failure of the action step.
- They’re bite-sized within a realistic timeframe. Goals that are too big or have an overly aggressive timeframe of completion can be overwhelming. Also, if you continually miss the mark of achieving the huge goal within an unrealistic timeframe, you’re likely to get discouraged and give up.
- They are specific and measurable. WDAs are useful because they’re so specific and measurable that you know without a doubt whether or not you’ve completed it. It is a tangible action step that you can deliver that will move you closer to your bigger goal.
Here are some more examples of 2019 New Year’s Resolutions turned into Well-Designed Actions.
Resolution: Get in shape.
WDA: I will take a 45-minute walk during my lunch break Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this week.
Resolution: Start my catering business.
WDA: I will buy my catering website domain and have a homepage, about me page, services page and contact page completed by Saturday at 6pm.
Resolution: Save more money this year.
WDA: I will open a high-yield savings account by Monday and set up an automatic recurring transfer of $250 into the account every month.
I encourage you to make Well-Designed Actions this year instead of mere New Year’s Resolutions and goals. Try a different approach this year. Shake things up!
Instead of being in exactly the same place a year from now ringing in 2020, take this opportunity to become who you truly want to become. Make some consistent Well-Designed Actions starting today in order to make 2019 your best year yet.
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If you’re serious about making big changes in 2019, here are some ways that Hayden can help you.
- Set up a FREE Health Coaching Conversation & Health Assessment if you’re ready to create Well-Designed Actions and habits of health to have a happier, healthier, and longer life.
- Set up a FREE Discovery Session to dive deep into your personal and professional goals.
- Join an upcoming Power Mastermind & Group Coaching Experience. Contact Hayden to inquire about upcoming dates.
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