4 Things to Remember When Setting Goals

The new year is often considered a fresh start. While a new year generally carries with it the successes and failures from the previous one, each year also brings with it the potential for change, and your actions over the course of the next 12 months will decide what change takes place.

With each year, you have the ability to choose what type of leader, worker, friend, spouse, parent, and person you will become. You get to actively choose each day whether to be better or worse than you were the day before.

Imagine the difference a year can make if you stay inspired and motivated to achieve greater success! The goals you dream of accomplishing are possible, but you must be ready to put in the effort. Maximum results require maximum effort and daily determination to move forward.

The only person you have control over is yourself. Actively strive to be better each day. If you set up New Year’s Resolutions, take a moment to go read through them and commit to sticking with them. Feel free to edit your list as you consider what is truly important to accomplish. Don’t be afraid to be specific.

If you haven’t written any resolutions down, check out this article on “SMARTER” goal setting. After reading through these tips, write down at least three goals you want to accomplish this year. They can be short term or long term. The important thing is to have something toward which to work this year.

Here are 4 things to remember as you continue through the year:

1. Efficiency and effectiveness should not be confused. “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.” – Peter Drucker
2. Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable, but you choose how to handle them. “If you so choose, every mistake can lead to greater understanding and effectiveness. If you so choose, every frustration can help you to be more patient and more persistent.” – Ralph Marston
3. Your everyday actions are determined by your habits. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” ­– Aristotle
4. Understand that change often takes time. Do not give up after January and join the staggering statistics of resolutions failures!

You have the ability to make 2016 the most successful year of your life—but you must be willing to work for it! Good luck in achieving your goals for 2016.