Time to reassess the goals you have and decide on some new ones.
Celebrating
the New Year and set-ting new goals go hand in hand. Even though nothing
really changes from 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000, the New Year
symbolises a fresh start. Time to reassess the goals you have and decide
on some new ones.
One
of the reasons those new year goals often don''t last the distance is that
we haven''t really made sure that the reason we want the goal is strong
enough for us to carry it through. We haven''t been strict enough with
ourselves in the process of deciding "Is this something I am willing to
go for 100%?"
So how do you make sure? Try this. Imagine you are interviewing yourself
around your goals: the ones you have been working on for some time and
the ones you are going to set. It is a rigorous interview and the new
goal will only be allowed on your list if it can pass the test.
These
are some of the questions you might ask yourself:
What are the reasons I want this goal, what will I have achieved when
I get it? Write a list - every reason from the grandest to the smallest,
even pettiest, is a valid reason.
Is there a reason among all those that really excites me - a reward that
will keep me going when the going gets tough?
What may I have to give up to have this goal in my life - and am I willing
to do this?
What will be the cost to me of having this goal?
What will be the cost to me of NOT having this goal?
Am I willing to do whatever it takes to have this goal in my life?
Is there something I am not willing to do to have this goal?
Is this goal a true desire of mine, or is it something I think I should
or ought to have as a goal, or would be nice to have as a goal?
Does this goal conflict with any other goals I am already working towards?
Do I have room in my life for this goal at this time?
Do not allow a goal to get a place on your list unless you are really
willing to do what it takes for you to achieve it. And if you find a couple
of months into the year that all is not flowing as it should, go back
and do another interview to make sure your goal still passes the test.
If it doesn't - drop it!
Wendy Buckingham is a writer, speaker, coach and author of Ready Set Goal.
Her information website on coaching is dedicated to providing credible, independent resources on becoming a coach or adding life or business coaching to a skills portfolio.