Make 2012 Your Best Year Ever

| Posted: 01/1/12

The new year is a time for many things.  Celebrating what you’ve accomplished throughout the year, appreciating everything that is important to you, and of course, planning for the new year.  Making New Year’s resolutions is a tradition that many honor, coming up with a number of plans to be more successful, healthier, more organized and more!  However, if you’re like many people, you find that your goals don’t last much past February (if they even make it that far).  This year, do things differently to ensure that don’t last much past February (if they even make it that far).  This year, do things differently to ensure that our resolutions are not just dreams, they are attainable goals that you will put the correct framework in place to reach.  Read on for expert tips on turning those New Year’s resolutions into reality!

Popular Resolutions

“I recently asked over 5,000 people on Facebook what their top goals were for 2012 and here were their top five responses: 1) Creating business/career growth and achievement, 2) Losing weight and getting healthy, 3) Improving their financial situation, 4) Developing personal leadership skills and 5) Deepening and/or healing personal relationship,” says Doug Fitzgerald with Simplified Network.

It’s likely that one or more of your resolutions fall into one of the following categories:

Lose Weight  After too many holiday parties with buffets, drinks and plenty of Christmas sweets, it’s no surprise that losing weight is on many people’s New Year’s resolutions list. “I think most people know they need to be more fit and most people are not satisfied with their weight, so it becomes a natural choice when setting their yearly goals,” says Danielle Kleber with Athlete Training Center.  “Plus, the prior two months are filled with overeating, stress, and lack of time so most people’s eating and fitness plans get easily derailed.”

“This resolution is completely psychological,” explains Brent Dierking with KOSAMA.  “People feel that since it’s a new year, then it’s a new beginning.  What they fail to realize is that they need to concentrate on their well-being year-round.  Resolutions dealing with fitness are an easy excuse to keep postponing the inevitable.  Why wait until the new year when you can start focusing on you any time?”

Be Healthier  Most people, even if they do not need to lose weight, often make the resolution to be healthier.  This could mean exercising more, eating better food, reducing stress or even adding vitamins to your daily regimen.

Stop Smoking  Quitting bad habits is on many people’s resolution list.  One of the top bad habits is smoking.  If you are a smoker, this is the year to finally quit.  It’s a difficult habit to break and one that will probably require the help of a professional if you are truly dedicated to this goal.

Learn Something New  It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing over and over, so it’s not surprising that ‘learn something new’ is on many people’s lists at the new year.  This could mean learning a new language, improving a skill they use at work, or even starting a new hobby.  The problem many people run into with this goal is that they try to learning too many things at once, and end up not following through on any of them.  If you want to learn something new this year, keep the list to one or two things (depending on how large the task is).

Get out of Debt  Even though the economy is rebounding, money is still something that is on many people’s resolutions lists.  Getting out of debt is a common money goal as no one enjoys paying hundreds of dollars in interest a year.  They key to getting out of debt is to have a plan.  Talk with a professional, such as an accountant, financial planner or coach, to get some tips on putting a plan into place so you can reduce or even eliminate your debt this year.

Spend More Time with Family  As busy professionals, it’s easy to become focused on work and lose track of what’s really important in our lives—family.  Spending more time with family is an admirable goal, but is certainly one that needs to be planned.  What will you eliminate or reduce this year to make room for more family time?  Perhaps you will decide to make rule that you cannot boot up your laptop or look at your smart phone in the evening until the kids are in bed, or you’ll decide you don’t really need to attend that after work networking event every week and will instead make that ‘family game night’.  Make a plan and make sure your entire family is on board.

Be More Organized  Not being organized can throw off nearly all of your other resolutions, so it’s an important one to focus on if you have problems in this year.  If you are not organized, it’s easy for plans to fall by the wayside and for this year to end up just like last year.  Get help being more organized this year, either from a professional organizer or a coach who can help you put a framework in place to achieve a more organized you.

Volunteer  Volunteering can add a lot to your life, to your business and to your family.  There are so many great causes out there that can desperately use any time, financial contributions or other help that you can give.  If you don’t already have a cause that you volunteer for, 2012 is a great time to choose one.  A few ideas is to join the board of a non-profit you believe in, to volunteer your time at a homeless shelter once or twice a month or to simply make it a goal to bring in clothes your kids have grown out of to an organization that distributes them to families in need.

Invest in a New Look  Although it may feel frivolous to some to make a resolution based solely on looks, but many of us know that looking great is not just about vanity.  When we feel good about how we look, we feel good about ourselves.  This boost in confidence makes us better in all arenas of our life, including family and career.  This is the reason why losing weight is on so many people’s lists.  Another goal that falls into this category is getting a new cut or color to help you start the new year in style.  Outdated hairstyles make us look and feel older, frumpier and perhaps even like we don’t really take pride in our appearance.  Make it a goal to get a new look this year and it just might give you the confidence you need to reach the other goals on your list.

What Holds Us Back

Why do so many people make the same resolutions year after year?  It’s because they rarely achieve their goals, so it’s back on the list when the new year rolls around.  Why do so many people fail when it comes to achieving their New Year resolutions?
When it comes to getting in shape, Brent Dierking with Kosama explains, “It usually comes down to accountability, motivation and attitude.  They aren’t being held accountable, so they let their goals slide.  You need a facility that has instructors who are there every time you come in to hold you accountable.  You also need someone to help you stay motivated.  Surround yourself with positive people who will help keep you motivated.  Having a great attitude will help you break through barriers and achieve your goal.  If you say you can and believe you can, you WILL succeed!”

Danielle Kleber with Athlete Training Center adds, “Most people want a quick fix and what happens is they don’t change the behaviors and habits that have led them to where they are now.  They also become quickly discouraged when the results aren’t quick in coming.  Often times, they don’t take a step back and realize how long it took them to get to where they are and that they have to invest time, dedication and hard work to achieve their goals.  Another big factor is that people tend to set unrealistic goals which lead them down the ‘quick to fail’ path.”

“Part of the human condition is that we experience worry, doubt and distractions, which use up our energy and keep us from putting energy toward what we truly want,” points out Nanette Gingery with Next Step Coaching.  “We hold opinions and beliefs that, when examined, no longer are serving us well.  Coaching raises awareness and helps us keep our focus on that which is important to us.”

Tips for Achieving Your Goals

–Share it with a friend.  If you can get someone on board with you who has a similar goal, both your chances of succeeding are increased.  For example, if your goal is to go to the gym three times a week in 2012, get together with a friend, family member or co-worker who also wants to get in shape.  Not only can you go to the gym together, but you can also encourage each other and help the other stay accountable.  Being able to cheer each other on throughout the year is a great way to ensure that neither of you will quit.

–Write it down.  Unless you put your goal on paper, it’s simply an idea floating around in your head.  Make a goal journal and put your resolutions down and look at them often.  In addition, write down the steps you need to take to achieve your goals.  By keeping these ‘mini goals’ in mind, you can make small achievements along the way to your big goal, which helps you stay on track and motivated.

–Put some thought into what’s behind your goal.  You really need to think about and examine each of your goals if you want to achieve them.  For example, if your goal is to lose ten pounds, you should be aware of: 1) What about your lifestyle has contributed to your weight issue and how will you change that?  2) What has held you back from achieving this goal before?  3) What will your life look like once you have achieved this goal?  4) What is your major motivation for achieving this goal (to be healthier, to fit into your old jeans, etc.).

–Limit the number of goals.  It’s easy to have lofty goals and think that 2012 is the year you’ll improve EVERYTHING.  Learn a new language!  Lose 15 pounds!  Eliminate processed sugar!  Get a better job!  Keep the house clean!  Unfortunately, when you make too many goals, it’s likely you won’t achieve any of them because it’s just too overwhelming.  Make one or two goals that are achievable and know that if you do reach these goals, you can always make more.

–Set up evaluation times.  When you write down your goals, also write down a few dates throughout the year that you will evaluate your goals.  This is the time to have a ‘reality check’ and see what’s working, what’s not and what changes need to be made.  If you are sharing your goals with someone else, include them on these evaluations so they can add their input as they will probably have some new ideas that could be helpful.

–Have a reward system in place.  Most of the time, achieving your goal is the best reward of all, but it also helps to have a number of rewards in place for each mini-goal you reach.  For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, have mini-rewards for each five pounds lost (a book you want or perhaps a new pair of jeans in a smaller size).  This helps you keep on track and keeps you looking forward to the next mini-goal reached.  Before you know it, you will achieved the large goal!

Working with Those Who Can Help

One of the best things you can do to ensure you will reach your goals is to work with professionals who have the right training and tools to help you.  Admitting you can’t do it alone is not something to be embarrassed about: it’s being honest and giving yourself the absolute best chance to improve.  Here are a few of the professionals who can be ideal partners for your resolution journey:

Fitness Professionals

“It always amazes me how much people will pay for gadgets, diet programs, powders, pills and all the other things out there, yet think training is too expensive,” says Danielle Kleber with Athlete Training Center.  “We offer fitness coaching, which helps keep the cost manageable, but in addition we spend a lot of time on setting attainable and reasonable goals while checking in on a regular basis to make sure our coaches and our members are both doing their parts to achieve those goals.”

“We hold our members accountable,” states Brent Dierking with Kosama.  “Every time someone comes to a class, it’s upbeat, helping them get through the workout.  We are NOT a boot camp, we are a lifestyle.  Kosama prides itself on keeping people enthusiastic about fitness and surrounding them with positive people who are willing to help.  If they can control their nutrition outside of Kosama, then they WILL see great results.  It is our job to give them the tools to succeed and be there for them.”

“Choosing the right personal trainer is very important,” Danielle Kleber adds.  “You or I could become personal trainers tomorrow and lots of people become personal trainers because they like to work out or were athletes in college, but that does not mean they understand the science behind programming and know how to structure someone’s training.  Be selective who you choose.  Our performance coaches are both CSCS and have their Masters degree, so the level of expertise and knowledge we have to offer in our programming far surpasses most of what is available in the Omaha area.

Supplement Advisors

“Eating healthy, weight loss and overall improvement in health are common New Year’s resolutions,” explains Robert Hafner with Wellnist.  “We find that many people lack focus and have trouble finding affordable, lasting solutions that are science-based and not just the latest fad or juice.  We have the only exercise bar patented in USA, Europe and Asia to turn fat into fuel when you work out.  We also have patent-pending Crave blocker bars and shakes to help between meals and a patent-pending line of vitamins and minerals that are up to ten times more absorbable than any multi-vitamin on the market.”

Supplements can help you achieve your goals—but you must become educated on them.  Simply choosing some things off the shelf and expecting them to work is not a good plan.  Do your research, talk to experts in the industry, and come up with a way to work supplements into your diet and exercise plan.

Coaches

“I can work with a client to design action which will help them achieve their goals, whether it is a New Year’s resolution or a business goal,” states Nanette Gingery with Next Step Coaching.  “I support clients in achieving their goals by helping them clarify their vision and keeping their focus and energy on the goal.  As a coach, I use specific tools which draw from the client who they truly are, and what is important to them.  The process of coaching raises the client’s awareness and consciousness and enables them to overcome the obstacles in their way and move forward with confidence.”

“Simplify, simplify, simplify!” states Doug Fitzgerald with Simplified Network.  “There are a couple of obstacles that I see on a regular basis that keep people from achieving their New Year’s resolutions and goals.  Either they try to start a goal planning system that is too complicated and intensive to follow, or they don’t have a system at all.  The system we teach through our Finish Life Well website is a basic and simple plan of: 1) Establishing your overall life priorities, 2) Writing down every possible goal you have for each priority, 3) Identify the top one or two goals for each priority, 4) Finalize your annual goal list with those top goals for each priority, 5) Keep those goals in plain sight every day and 6) Review your goals on an annual basis.  I personally have been using and teaching this plan for over  17 years with great success.”

Experts in Your Chosen Hobby

Learning a new hobby is an excellent New Year resolution, especially if you find you have a little extra time at night or on the weekends.  Hobbies enrich your life and the lives of those around you and can serve you well in the future (think, retirement!).  An example of a great hobby you might want to look into is woodworking.

“Let’s face it, the weather here in January can be less than ideal,” points out Gerry Phelan with Midwest Woodworkers.  “This is a great time to take up a hobby like woodworking that lets you express your creativity and stay warm at the same time.  When you are making your New Year’s resolution, be sure to include a new hobby as something positive you can do for yourself.

Often, folks are interested in woodworking, but aren’t sure where to start.  It can be a bit daunting when you see the work other folks have done.  It is also harder to get started if you don’t have someone to show you the way.  Midwest Woodworkers offers classes specifically aimed at helping new woodworkers get started.  Our classes are small, three to five people at most, and are very hands-on.  We start with safety and make sure everyone understands the equipment and the techniques.  Most classes involve making a project you can take home with you.  In addition, everyone on our staff is a longtime woodworker.  In fact, we average over 30 years of experience per person.  We can help with questions and work hard to help everyone be a better woodworker.

Woodworking will stimulate your creativity and it is not as difficult or mysterious as you might think.  It is really hard to beat the satisfaction that comes from making something with your own hands.  And ladies, this isn’t just a ‘guy thing’.  We see more and more women getting involved in classes and taking up woodworking, too!”

Other hobbies you might want to concentrate on would be musical skills (think of a piano or guitar teacher), sewing or quilting, painting, martial arts, dance or cooking.  Concentrate on something that has meaning to you and that will add to your life as well as something you will enjoy and you will be more likely to stick with it.

Salons

If getting a new look is on your list, choose a salon and a stylist that will be able to help you come up with a look that is cutting edge and fashion-forward, but that still represents who you are and what you do.  If you do not have a stylist you are loyal to, now is the time to find one.  By always going to the same stylist, you develop a rapport (and probably a friendship).  It will be easier to talk to a stylist you are comfortable with and give them your ideas, and it will also be easier for them to present new ideas to you.  In addition, by seeing the same stylist on a regular basis, they can familiarize themselves with your hair and with your lifestyle.  It’s nearly impossible for this to happen if you are constantly jumping around from stylist to stylist each time you need a cut or color.

When choosing a stylist, ask your friends and family for referrals.  Who do they see?  What do they like best about them?  Why would they recommend them?  This way, you will have a short list of stylists to try and see which is the best fit for you.  You may be tempted to go to a salon that is convenient (near your home or work or has evening hours that work best for you), but you’ll probably find that driving a little bit further or rearranging your schedule a bit is well worth it to develop a relationship with the right stylist.

Final Thoughts

“Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail,” says Brent Dierking with Kosama.  “If you don’t plan out your meals ahead of time, make time in your schedule, or visualize yourself getting to your goal, then it will be very difficult.  Think positive, think well and you will get to your resolution.  You have to be mentally strong and surround yourself with people who are willing to help.”

“I encourage everyone to not let another year go by only to accomplish another unaccomplished resolution or putting off that important decision or goal,” explains Nanette Gingery with Next Step Coaching.  “Live your best life now!  Invest in yourself, invest in a coach.”

2012 can truly be your best year yet!  Remember to keep your goals manageable, involve others and, most importantly, work with the proper professionals who can provide the support and leadership you need to achieve your resolutions.  Have a wonderful year!

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