Out with the old and in with the new. As hard as it is to believe, in a few days we will be living in a brand new year - the year 2015. As year new year starts Brenda and I set goals we would like to fulfill. Most years we manage to scratch off two or three items that have been successfully fulfilled. How? Obviously we make a list. A list of resolutions we can actually fulfill with the resources we have at hand. Next we consider the steps involved in progressively bringing our resolution to reality. In other words we consider each step a goal in itself.
That said, when making any new year's resolution consider setting several small goals as building blocks that when completed fulfill the bigger goal, your new year's resolution. And don't worry if it takes a a little more that a year to fulfill them. The objective is simply to get started and progressively reach your realistic resolve.
Here are the Top 10 realistic new year's resolutions that are not out of reach.
1. Lose 10 pounds by Spring - 1 pound a week - Avoid weight gain foods - drink water
2. Redecorate the living room - one chair every third month of 2015
3. Plan a fun summertime family reunion - Get the app. Follow one step each week of 2015.
4. Perfect a new recipe each month - Get the app - Select the recipes - Record it on a 2015 calendar
5. Learn to speak another language - Get the app - Play it on the way to work.
6. Plant a garden with the kids - Get the app - buy a shovel - get a hoe - buy seeds - buy plants.
7. Have a yard sale - Get the app - Set a date - Make a sign -Find a big box - Throw in stuff to sell.
8. Spend more quality time with my kids - Plan it out - Say no to more work - Throw yourself into it.
9. Start dating my wife - Plan weekly date activities (Some at home, some outdoors as well as dinner restaurants and theaters) for the next two months.
10. Eat organic - Stop at the organic market. Grow organic foods. Make your own pasta, etc.
How can we set realistic goals that will progressively fulfill the resolution over time?
Let's start with item 1. Lose 10 pounds by Spring. That's 11 weeks. Set progressive goals to lose a pound a week. How?
1. Cut down by eating on a smaller plate,
2. Drink more water.
3. Walking briskly each day. Dance to a whole song each night.
4. Avoid foods that contribute to weight gain.
5. Reward yourself for each pound lost with a broach, scarf or whatever you like.
Using this method will not only bring your new year's resolutions to reality. You will have learned to keys to planning for the future while developing the self-discipline to reach goals that will reward you exponentially for years to come.
Want to plan a summertime family reunion? First goal. Get the book or web app. Just follow the link in the Profile on this page.
