These techniques will help with any goal, from losing weight to pursuing
a promotion to starting your own business. 1. First, write out your
resolution here. Make it as specific as you can (i.e., -œlose ten pounds
by May 31-• instead of -œget in shape this year-•). Just writing your
goal down makes it more likely you will achieve it. Congratulations!
2. Write down the payoff for achieving this that appeals to your values
and emotions. For example, if you want to quit smoking, your compelling
reason might be -œI want to be healthy enough to dance with my 9 year old
daughter when she gets married in about 20 years.-• 3. How will you
remind yourself of this reason? (Perhaps a picture of your daughter, or a
woman in a wedding dress, in your office.) 4. Let's anticipate
trouble and head it off. What is the -œpayoff-• from not changing? For
example, smokers get a certain number of social breaks with their smoking
buddies everyday. Or perhaps you put off a project that feels -
œdifficult-• or -œoverwhelming.-• 5. How can you get that payoff
another way? Maybe you take a walk with a friend, or get a coffee,
instead of having a smoke. 6. What are the actions you need to take
to realize your goal? Attach deadlines if appropriate. (Did you just
freak out? If so, look back to question #2 for moral support!) 7.
What is the next step you can take towards your goal? When will you have
this completed by? (Did you freak out again? Look back to question #2 for
moral support as often as you need.) 8. Who do you have to be to
make this goal? What kind of person? 9. How will you create
accountability for realizing your goal? (Check all that apply.) - I
will check in with a friend (please note who and how often). - I will
create a chart / schedule (please note where & how often you will use
it). - I will create a reminder on my calendar / PDA / computer. - I
will tell lots of friends and acquaintances (Who or how many? By when?).
Our hope is that you use these techniques to create a rewarding career
and personal life this year. Please feel free to pass along to friends or
colleagues who may benefit from them. Please contact us at
dave@darkmatterconsulting.com if you are interested in a complimentary
strategy session, in which we identify what's holding you back and how to
get through it. We wish you luck on your 2012 new year's resolutions
and goals! David Kaiser, PhD, ACC, Executive Coach and CEO of Dark
Matter Consulting, is the Time Management Coach for Authentic Leaders. At
Dark Matter, we help executives at consulting firms and creative agencies
to make the best use of their time, ranging from time management and
productivity at one end, all the way to values and life purpose at the
other. Learn more about Dark Matter Consulting at
www.darkmatterconsulting.com. Related Articles - goals, weight loss,
business, Email this Article to a Friend!Receive Articles like this one
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