{Personal Image}
We’re nearing the end of the third week in January.
This is the point where I notice less people at the gym, because they’re starting to give up on their goals—their New Year’s resolutions.
They’re starting to realize that the goals they set weren’t realistic, they didn’t realize how tough it would be to make the change, or they don’t care enough about losing 15 pounds before bathing suit season to wake up an hour earlier.
This is also the point where I notice people not following through on their business plans. They started out the New Year strong and have tapered off.
I have a few suggestions on how you can deal with this, so you’re not one of those people who end up saying, “How did 2012 go by so fast? There was so much I wanted to do and change, and it didn’t happen.”
1. Don’t give up when you slip.
Making changes isn’t easy. That’s just the truth. So, when you decide that you’re going to work on your business for an hour after dinner at least three nights a week, you might realize that it isn’t as easy as just making that decision. Stuff comes up.
Scientists disagree on how long it takes to form a habit, but it usually takes at least 30 days. Once you’ve done something for a month, it becomes easier to keep doing it, because you start to do it more on autopilot. Before this time, most of us have slip ups. These slip ups determine whose going to make it and who won’t. The people who make big changes learn from their slip ups, they understand that making mistakes along the way is part of the process, and they keep moving forward.
2. Get to know your triggers and plan for them.
We all have triggers that keep us from our goals. I just started learning some new knitting techniques, and I’m really excited about them. I also have some episodes of Grey’s Anatomy sitting in the queue of my Tivo. I love to watch/listen to Grey’s Anatomy and knit. I don’t feel as bad about watching television when I do something else along with it—like knitting.
This is a trigger for me. I could be knitting and watching Grey’s instead of working and writing this post. I have to plan for that trigger. I have a rule about it. I’m not allowed to watch and knit until at least 5:45 pm. My husband usually doesn’t get home from work until 6:30 pm, so that gives me time to watch one episode and knit while fast forwarding through the commercials. I don’t get to do it every day, but having that rule in place keeps me from playing couch potato girl.
3. Tell other people about your goals and the changes you want to make.
Today, I spent an hour talking with Mayi Carles from heartmade. We were catching up, talking about our recent launches, and making plans for 2012. That hour inspired me, gave me new ideas, and will help me hold myself accountable. If I tell someone I’m going to do something, I’m more likely to do it. When I feel inspired because I’m around like-minded people, I’m more likely to stay motivated.
One way you can do this is by joining a community like ARTrepreneur {enrollment closes January 30th}. You’d be surrounded by people who want the same things you want, who are willing to tell you their secrets and failures, and who want to see you succeed. That’s one of the things that I love about it.
It must be the that critical time in January where one slip leads to giving up in defeat! I posted a very similar post only this morning! My plan for this coming week is to review my Roadmap stuff and make sure I am back on track heading into February!
Awesome Elle! Love to hear that!
Must’ve read my mind . I was just in that mode where I faced something discouraging this morning. Almost made me want to give up .
It’s tough., but in my experience trudging along consistently even when it’s tough can help us to where we want to – eventually.
Thanks for the reminder:)
Ugh…I hate that you felt discouraged this morning! But, I hope you know that we all face that–there have been many times where I’ve thought, “Should I just give up?” Thank goodness I didn’t!
I am going strong on my efforts for be better about book keeping! Really reallllllly trying to stay on top of it this year. My other goal is to get my .com up to speed with my etsy shop- have all the items available there as well. I have been working on that as well. It’s funny because to me- this is the time when I really start to get going on resolutions – not the time I start ditching them 🙂
You need to share your productivity and goal setting/keeping secrets! That’s great to hear!
I’ve been plugging away with my schedule (which includes getting up at 5 am to start my work day). I haven’t gotten everything in place yet the schedule still needs some tweaking but it’ s a start and it’s working.
That’s good to hear Brandi!
I’ve been doing pretty well on my goals so far… My problem is more that I keep adding goals until I become overwhelmed and need a break!
Oh yes–I understand that! It’s hard to make one change at a time, but it’s usually the most effective way so you don’t get burnt out and overwhelmed.
What an inspiring post! I am still working on my website but I am on schedule… Just stumbled upon your blog…I love that you’re a hokie! I lived in blacksburg for 10 years while getting my degrees. I love and miss that place. Love your blog, will definitely keep up with you!
So far I am keeping up with my main goal of becoming more organised at home, using an organiser/planner (never used one before!) but have slipped on my blogging goal of posting daily or almost-daily…I really need to fix that one this weekend! Loving your blog and emails, you’re really helping me feel more motivated and inspired – thank you 🙂
Today I thought I just about overwhelmed my “elephant” because I added to my list another big set of changes I wanted to make. So from my Roadmap notes from your class, I reminded myself that I have to scale down the amount of changes I can make at one time. Before Roadmap, I used to override my elephant eventhough I got these signals that I was stressing it out. And that would just lead me down a very dark scary path towards burnout.
I don’t want to burnout again and even as hyper-excited I am to make all of these big changes, I have to remind myself that “slow+steady” is the ticket to success. Aesop’s fables to the rescue!
Thanks for keeping me motivated today 🙂
Thanks so much for tip #1!! I needed that!! We’ve had 2 visitors in less than a month and the last one was here for a whole week and just left today. I feel so far behind and was wondering if I could catch up when I don’t even know where to start! ..time to get back on track!
A nice read on this subject. Please have a look.
http://asknrj.com/win-over-your-new-year-resolutions/