Dec. 31, 2015: Gina Rivera

New Year’s Resolutions are always tricky waters for me. I don’t know about you, but I start off really well and then in no time, my efforts quickly go south.

I finally realized that I had to adopt a new strategy if I ever wanted to be successful with my resolutions. So, here’s what I have learned. I have learned that I cannot take on too many things at once and I must be realistic so that I do…n’t become discouraged.

I use to go into the New Year with a large conglomeration of goals that were all over the place. However, I finally realized that I was confusing myself with the enormous number of tasks that I had on my mind to complete.

So I had to go back to “Setting Goals 101 “. I recommend this for anyone who is about to develop their list of annual resolutions. I begin by sitting down and creating my long term goals and my short term goals. I actually write them out on two different list titled “long term” and “short term”.

Once I have written them out, I keep them in a location that is visible to me. For some this may be their daily planner, for others this could be as simple as posting a list on the refrigerator.

Doing this, helps me to be more disciplined with my daily goals because they are developed in a way that supports my larger purpose. I have also found that it’s much easier to stick to a plan that allows me to accomplish my resolutions over a period of time. Additionally, this makes the list of resolutions seem less overwhelming and more realistic.

I have also found that in my business people are ready for a change when the New Year arrives. They want something new and refreshing for the upcoming year. This is across the board with both employees and clients. So, make sure you consider this if you are in a leadership position or working with patrons.

Again, try this; start off the New Year by sitting down and categorizing the items you want to accomplish. This means both personally and professionally. The New Year is such a good time to get organized. Do an evaluation of last year as well. Take a look back at the things that worked and the things that didn’t work. Make adjustments for the year to come.

Be diligent when sticking to your goals and try utilizing these simple methods. As hard as it may be, remain focused, If you do, before you know it you will have reached at least some, if not all, of the resolutions you set out to achieve. Be blessed and have a wonderful New Year!