When you get to the end of the year and that ball over Times Square starts to drop, and you look back over the year: What are the three things you will be most disappointed about that you did not accomplish?
The race is on. You have some quality time left for this year. Your New Year’s resolutions from earlier this year don’t matter. If you’re like most Americans, you didn’t keep them anyway. Likely, you can’t even remember what they were. Don’t even glance backward on this — focus forward. It doesn’t matter if it’s your business, personal life, relationship, family, friends, or anything else.
If there’s no deadline, it’s not real. And there’s no more appropriate deadline than December 31. It signals both an end and a beginning.
So, ask the question. The Big Question. What is so vital for you to accomplish that it will disappoint — or possibly devastate — you if you don’t achieve it? Here are some reminders to help you have no regrets on December 31.
Something you can control. Don’t make this about someone else. You can’t change other people anyway. What do you want? You may need to employ or have some assistance reaching the goal, so be sure to factor that into your equation. You can’t force someone to help you, but you can seek out the right people who are like-minded and like-valued.
Equally important, focus on the process, not the result. Do the right things, and the right things will happen. Your goal may be months away, so focus on what you do daily. If you want to change your life, change something you do every day, so change something today and watch your life change tomorrow.
Set mile markers along the way. Don’t try to bite off the entire elephant. Take small bites, set weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly goals, and check yourself along the way. You can do this easily on your phone or calendar (online or physical), but it’s easy.
Don’t micromanage your goal. You have a checklist, you have a deadline, and you have intermediate goals. Set the plan and start on the journey. Don’t nickel and dime yourself or your plan; don’t second-guess yourself. On the contrary, enjoy the ride — and the journey.
Bring on an accountability partner. This is essential. Don’t enlist a “yes” man or woman. Instead, team up with someone who will keep you honest, moving, and motivated. A spouse is always a good place to start, but having some outside eyes for a different perspective is always good.
Write down your goal. This is an absolute. You probably won’t get there if you don’t write it down. Read the remarkable details here. Keep the prize in front of you. Don’t micromanage it, but track your progress step by step, intermediate deadline by intermediate deadline.
Reward yourself. It’s important to pat yourself on the back. The affirmation will encourage and motivate you to continue the journey. It can be a bowl of ice cream, coffee with a friend, or something unique to you, but taking moments to celebrate the small stuff is essential.
I don’t have a goal. Hmm, let’s talk. Start thinking — and writing. How would you like to improve your life? What is something you want to learn or accomplish? What’s been on your “I should…” list for a while now? Is there somewhere you want to go? A course you want to take? Something you want to stop doing or start doing? Take a blank piece of paper and start writing. You may be surprised what lands on that piece of paper.
Perhaps most importantly, determine that you will not stop. Don’t give up. You may be three feet from gold, so if this goal is important or something you need to get done, keep going.
Now that you have some goals get moving! What is your wisest next step? And when can you take that step? When you accomplish it, you will be in the minority.