With the new year upon us, it's hard not to pick up on the contagious positive energy of making powerful life-changing intentions. New year, new you, right? Perhaps that means: losing weight, getting organized, spending less, saving more, feeling healthy, learning something new, or maybe even helping others, all of which top the list of the most common goals going into the start of a new calendar year. Unfortunately, New Year's resolutions are notorious for their short-lived journey here on earth. In fact, a study by Stanton University showed that just 8 percent of New Year's goals ever see themselves into fruition. Moreso, this same study shows that only 25 percent of these goals set will even make it past the first week of the year. Ouch! Now, those are depressing statistic.
Goal-setting can actually be immensely powerful as our beautiful intentions become expressed letting our desires be known to the Universe. But, as the saying goes, "A goal without a plan is just a dream." Those who succeed in turning their vision into reality go much further. While intention is a powerful first step, it demands additional action steps to actually bring the vision to life.
As an entrepreneur who has spent many new years at the goal-setting table, and who has more recently been the facilitator of helping others bring their own dreams to fruition as a coach and mentor, I've seen and experienced first-hand what works and what doesn't in the world of making dreams happen. And, hence, here are my top seven ways to beat the statistics and make 2015 your year to shine!
- Set goals with soul. My own personal belief is that the reason so many New Year's resolutions become failures is because a lot of people are just making them because they're "supposed" to. It's like saying, "Okay, another new year is upon us, I guess I should throw some goals out there." But, you're not going to get very far with that mindset. Instead, dive in a little deeper and get into the "why" behind the "what." So, instead of saying "I want to lose weight," which is kind of lacking in the soul department, how about really digging in and saying, "I want to lose weight because I'm tired of feeling like crap. And, I want to be alive and healthy to see my children graduate high school and to see my grandchildren be born, etc." Or, maybe your goals in financial in nature. Making more money is just scratching the surface of things, but dig in deeper and consider what that financial freedom would feel like for you? Maybe you want to provide a certain life for your children or start a foundation that gives back to a cause that is super important to you. Now, that has some grit to it as it digs deeper into the heart and touches on emotion which equals staying power.
When you put these tips into action, you will surely beat the odds and be one of those 8 percent-ers. Heck, together, we can change that stat into one much brighter. Now, go out there and shine, baby! Wishing you love, light, and much prosperity in 2015 and beyond.
(Dawn Gluskin is author of forthcoming Type-A Zen, founder of Zen Rebel, and former CEO of a 7-figure tech company that left her feeling a bit stressed out & like she was living somebody else's dream before diving deeply into her own truth. She is now hosting Shine, a 6 month mastermind starting in 2015 with limited spots available for those who want to beat the odds and bring their vision to life. For more inspiration, follow on Facebook & Instagram.)