New Year's Resolutions: making them stick

The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C.
I'm willing to bet that some of YOUR New Year's Resolutions go back pretty far too.

Sure, being a sustainability consultant and being interested in recycling and all, you would think that I might like that idea of recycling New Year’s resolutions. Not so! From small business consulting to personal consulting, we hear how clients have tried to change old habits, create better ones, get different results at the beginning of each year and usually, all start out with strong intentions only to find a few weeks or months into the year, those good intentions are long gone.

But this year, wouldn't it be great to get some of them to stick? In our sustainability plans we address these topics. Here are a few guidelines to get you going.

1.   Select one thing that you feel inspired to act on. The key words here are one and inspired.   If it's a big resolution and meaningful to you, we suggest picking one thing. Also, go for something where you really want to see achievement and a feeling of reward. If you are coming from the place of wanting to fix something because something is wrong or you feel negative emotion about it, then you are only activating that more.

2.   Break it down. Start by working backwards working from the end result to where you are now. One of the biggest problems is that the goals we set are sometimes too drastic or too big to bite off. We make efforts towards that goal and when we see little to no progress, we give up. So, by breaking it down, backwards, you get an idea of what stage you would like to be in towards that development. Then, start taking action towards the smaller, incremental goal. In time, that goal will lead you to the next incremental goal and then the final goal.

3.   Recognize and acknowledge indicators. Indicators are improvements in your mood towards your goal. If you are feeling good about your efforts, how you are doing, noticing yourself taking action in a positive way, acknowledge yourself. In fact, focus exclusively on the positive efforts you are making and that in itself will align you more with the achievement of your resolution.

4.   Have fun with it. If you can find creative ways to document your efforts and success while holding yourself accountable, then you'll not only find success but enjoy the process as well.

Our sustainability plans address topics from increasing eco awareness into your life, to reaching new sales success in business, to small businesses looking to improve the bottom line. The guidelines mentioned above have helped all of our clients and I hope they help you too. Happy New Years!