New goals require different habits.
I love this quote from Matthew Kelly. Maybe because I can really relate.
“Most people overestimate what they can do in a day, and underestimate what they can do in a month. We overestimate what we can do in a year, and underestimate what we can accomplish in a decade.”
This could be one reason we ditch our New Year goals early in the year. In fact, January 17th is also known as “Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day.”
As the year begins, we get inspired to put EVERYTHING on our resolutions list (wish-list) including all the things we’ve ditched in the past, thinking this is the year it’s going to be different! We’re actually going to do them.
And… Surprise, surprise, they get ditched again because we become overwhelmed when we realise it’s just too much.
However, when we look back on our year and take stock, we’re often surprised about how much we actually achieved.
Maybe it wasn’t the exact to-do list that we set out with at the beginning of the year. But when we followed our instincts and did our thing in the world, those things we’re good at and are excited about, we realise we can be proud of how much we accomplished.
I always think I can fit way more into one day than I actually can and tend to end my day with still many uncompleted items on my to-do list. And then, when I look back over a month, all the actions I took add up to way more than I expected and more than what was on my to-do list from day to day.
Recently, I was thinking back to everything I’d achieved over the last year and was filled with a sense of achievement and pride. I realised I’d done a lot – even though there’s always more I want to do. We tend to look at what’s still to achieve when we look ahead and forget to look back and recognise everything we’ve already achieved. This is a moment to stop for a moment and give yourself a pat on the back.
Make a list of everything you’ve accomplished over the last year – big and small – and see if you can feel a sense of achievement. What comes up for you? Wow, look at all you’ve done OR sorry, not good enough, buddy? More often, it’s the first one but either way, it’s worth the reflection and acknowledgment.
So how can you inspire yourself to create meaningful goals and stick to them over time?
Here are some tips:
- Think of the big vision you want to achieve in the long term – 5 years from today. Map it out so that you have an idea of where you want to be then. Think of all the details. Write it down.
- In the short term – for this year, this quarter, this month, or this week – ask yourself if what you’re doing is getting you closer to that vision or not? If it’s not, look at what needs to change – in you, your environment, and your actions. Consistent action and focus will get you there. This is why creating good habits is a powerful way to get things done.
Instead of new year’s resolutions, let’s get clear on your vision and create the habits (in small steps) you need to create to help you get there.
Remember, New goals require different habits.
Ditch resolutions! Focus on implementing great habits instead.
And if you’re serious about getting to work, join our Leadership Habit Challenge. If you want to make sure you create goals that are worth sticking to and habits that will help you get there, sign up today!
You pick the habit and we’ll help you make it stick!
And listen to Leadership Live Podcast Episode 11 which is all about how to create leadership habits that stick.
Write me an email and let me know – what is your biggest, wildest goal and what is ONE habit you need to make it happen?