Hello Ann

According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, about half of the population makes resolutions each New Year, the most common topics dealing with weight loss, exercise, stopping smoking, better money management, and debt reduction.  

And I, dear readers, happen to be a member of the half of us who make resolutions.

However, a few years ago I made an important realization about my new year’s resolutions: They were all pretty much the same. Year after year I sat down, wrote out my promises to myself, and then failed to create any real change—hence, the repeat resolution offenders!

Instead of making the same empty promises to myself, I needed to rethink the way I was deciding on these changes. Obviously, something was amiss with my goals.

Why They Fail

More often than not we cling to our goals for a few weeks or a month and then slip back into our old habits. A large part of my own failure to realize my new year’s resolutions was because I was setting goals I didn’t really, really want—that, and my failure to make these goals SMART, instead of lofty and unrealistic.

According to Psychology Today, most people fail to stay true to their resolutions because:

• They’re unprepared to actually change their bad habits
• Their goals are unrealistic
• The “cause and effect” expectation is dispelled (you think that if you lose weight, reduce your debt, or exercise more that your entire life will change, and when it doesn’t you get discouraged)

Could it be possible that you’re not being honest with yourself, realistic, or failing to align your actions to your goals?

Are you ready to start setting goals for yourself and actually achieving them? Read on to learn how to harness the power of goal setting, the Co-Active Coach’s way.

Not Your Momma's SMART Goal

As part of my training and certification with the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), I was introduced to a whole new and awesome way to think about SMART goals. Granted, everyone has their own little twist on this concept. What I love about the CTI SMART goal is the way it adds a little exhilarating risk and more meaning to your goals and resolutions.

S: Specific

What do you want to accomplish? If you said “I want to lose weight” – the buzzer sounds – not specific enough. You might say “I want to lose 10lbs.” Much better. And a gold star if you say “I want to lose 10lbs by March 15^th.”

M: Measurable

Measureable is standard, but what we include in this bucket can vary. I advise others to include the things that let you know you’ve achieved your goal. So, for the weight loss example from above, you have one tool of measurement: pounds. This is how much you weigh now, how much you want to weigh, and the “by when”. You may also consider a measure that indicates the rate at which you will approach your goal.

A: Accountable

Creating a goal that is “accountable” requires enlisting at least one other person (a coach, a friend, mentor, etc) with whom you will share your goal. Invite them to hold you accountable (decide what this will look like together) for achieving the goal.

R: Resonant

These are goals that you truly desire and they completely align to your values. For example, your weight loss goal could align with a value you place on your health. It could also align with a value you place on family or maybe fitness. Whatever the goal, if it doesn’t support or align with a value you hold dear, it won’t be a goal you achieve.

T: Thrilling

Think about the weight loss goal – what’s so exciting about losing 10 pounds? How does it become thrilling? Maybe you’ll be able to fit into that leisure suit you wore with your college band from the 1970’s and get a thrill out of wearing it to that company costume party! Maybe you’ll be able to play all-out with your kids because the weight loss gives you more energy. Maybe you’ll have the self-confidence to get up in front of the room and confidently deliver your message. Test your goal by asking yourself whether you are so excited that you can’t wait to get started. Is there a flutter in your stomach – the sort of excitement and scariness of a roller-coaster ride? Then your goal is thrilling – get to it!

Interested in finding out whether or not you’re guilty of sabotaging your own goals and dreams? Click Here to Take a Self-Sabotaging Quiz

Social Style Tip of the Day
What Occupations Appeal to Analytical Style People??

Are people drawn to certain occupations because these jobs fit with their SOCIAL STYLES? While all Styles are represented across all occupations, it makes sense that some people will choose their occupations because the skills and environment appeal to their natures.  We examined our North American database and found that Analytical Style people are highly represented in several jobs, notably engineering (37% are Analytical), information systems (35%), finance/accounting (34%), and healthcare (34%). These individuals are logical, details oriented, focused on processes, and are comfortable working alone on problems. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are particularly well represented in these occupations.

Copyright TRACOM Group 2011

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About Ann

With more than 20 years of experience as a corporate leader, Ann brings an integrated-systems perspective to any discussion or situation and a straightforward, practical approach to coaching and consulting. Ann's unique and varied career and educational experiences allow her to quickly identify and communicate interrelationships among issues, people, and complex organizational systems. Her positive outlook, energy, and participative leadership style enable her to inspire, motivate, and develop leadership in others.