3 Ways To Put Reality Back In To Resolutions

2017 is right around the corner. Which means new years resolutions will soon be upon us. Promises to get healthy, travel the world, call your mother more often, get your sh*t together, etc. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm all for kicking off the new year with positive action. But, if my past has taught me anything, yearly goals dwindle in the spring. Cue the guitar collecting dust in my closet. I never did learn to play like Hendrix.

Commit to Change

When it comes to reclaiming my career, however, I'm using a different approach, which is gaining steam. I focus on realistic changes I can commit to long-term. But, progress does not come cheap. Time is our most precious commodity, and I use quite a bit of it, in pursuit of my goal. So, my first step had to be a commitment to do the work. Self-reflection and I are besties, so I'm looking inward first. Uncovering what I find exciting and draining, for example. Documenting my progress, is also key. Cue the launch of Finding Passion At 38. Last, and most important, is holding myself accountable. I made it a goal to own my livelihood, and I'm starting to see the fruits of my labor. However, both fruits and goals require the right environment to flourish. So what changes did I make to ensure my goal was attainable?

Change #1 - I found the time. Honing in on my interests, self-reflecting on my mistakes, reading thought leadership, building new skills, etc. all take time. Yes, my days are hectic, but there are blocks of time that can be reallocated. Now, instead of rocking out to music during my commute, I read content from select influencers.

Change # 2 - I created the ideal environment. I'm a classic introvert, so I much prefer a solitary environment in which to think. My home is my first choice, but it can be risky. There are many traps. Playstation 4, a floor that desperately needs to be vacuumed, and diva dogs vying for attention, can throw me off my game. My solution? A home office, with a door. A laptop, coffee, and my Spotify playlist are all I need to shut off the world and get to work.

Change # 3 - I told my circle. I'm well aware I'm accountable for my life. But, declaring my intentions to my trusted allies, provides another accountability layer. And I'm fortunate to have people in my life that will call me out on my bull****.

Goal Declaration

Declaring my goal and making the necessary changes, has resulted in notable wins. I'm going to keep it going, by adding a supplemental goal for January. Note I said January, not all of 2017. Next month, I will commit to engaging in physical activity 3X a week. I'm not declaring to find my six pack or dead lift 200lbs (even though that was my max a few years ago). Physical activity 3X a week is my goal declaration. To make it a reality, I will use the same approach and see how it goes. Wish me luck.

How are you approaching 2017?