Have You Written Your New Year’s Resolutions?

It’s that time!  Time to write out your goals for the coming year! Do you have any childhood dreams that remain unfulfilled or any cities that you have always wanted to see, but never visited? Consider all the material things you want, the lifestyle you desire, the places you would like to go, or things you would like to do and incorporate them into your goals. What is important to you? What are your most important values? When do you feel most needed and appreciated? What do you love to do? What gets you excited? What would you like your tombstone to say?

I remember the day my dad had me sit down at the kitchen table and asked me that question: “What would you like your tombstone to say?” My first thought was, “What have I done now to make him want to kill me?” It wasn’t anything I had done. He wanted me to write down how I would like to be remembered and to put that piece of paper in my wallet and a copy on my bathroom mirror. He said, “If you will always hold this thought in the forefront of your mind, it will be like a compass, always keeping you on your true path in life. It will make your choices easier, because you will always remember where you want to go and not choose to take detours that present themselves disguised as opportunities.” He elaborated, “The grass often looks greener somewhere else, but it doesn’t matter how green the grass is, if it’s not located where we want to go.”

Write down your goals.

Set definite goals for things you want to have and to do. Write down that dream you have been carrying around in your head. Don’t believe any desire is too great or out-of-reach. Be descriptive. Writing down your goals will help you acknowledge them, commit to them, and then act on them. When you put your goals in writing, add every detail. Describe your new home’s square footage and its location. Write down the length and name of that new boat you’ve always wanted. Finally, use positive phrases. Instead of “I want a new home” write “I will be enjoying my new beach house by . . . (write in a specific date).

Goal-setting is what we do for ourselves.

Be honest with yourself. Don’t write down things you think you should want. Don’t write down things other people have told you to want. Goal-setting is not something we do to please others. Write down only what you want. You will spend a lot of time achieving your goal, so make it meaningful and fun. Then write down what you are willing to do to get it.

First you have to write out your goals and then you have to make them happen!  If you want to be sure you accomplish your goals this year, read my article on goal accomplishment in this month’s issue of Choices online magazine at www.choicesonlinemedia.com.