Accountability IS key!

Photo by: PaDumBumPsh on Flickr

The new year is always such a delightful time. We are filled with anticipation, excitement and hope for what is to come. It’s a time to start fresh and gain some new perspective. And then POW! We are back to the old day in and day out grind of life and all those goals and resolutions that seemed so possible are slowly set aside or ignored.

You know what I am talking about. It’s the surge of people in January to your local gym who by March have disappeared. Yet there is always hope you will be one of the last people standing and will seriously make that change towards physical fitness for life, weight loss, healthy eating…simply change this picture to fit your resolution of choice.

So what does it take to make those new year goals and resolutions a reality?

1. Start by setting realistic goals. Is it really a possibility that you can achieve this goal.
2. Write down your goals and resolutions and put them somewhere prominent to remind you of them.
3. Make sure you can measure your progress and set dates to check-in. Ask your self: “What does success look like for these check-ins?” and “How will I record my progress”
4. Set up action steps that will lead you to your goals. Seriously, how are you going to accomplish this goal. Just saying I’m going to the gym is not enough. Details please.
5. Now for the most important piece of advice that I can give…ACCOUNTABILITY… How will you hold yourself accountable? Back in the day when I decided to run a marathon, the strategy was essential. Having a training plan written down was part of the process. But I am 100% positive that I was successful because I told everyone what I was doing. And they held me accountable. My network of friends and colleagues were watching – this was IRL as it was before the whole social media craze. Their constant interaction and my talking about the goal and the process is how I made it to the end. Twice!

Now back to today. I have outlined two big New Years goals in these two posts: Why 5 a.m.? and 260 Days of Blogging. I have also talked about them, through Twitter, Facebook, and in real life (IRL). The support has been phenomenal and my ability to check in via Twitter has been key. These are a few big goals- but they are realistic and with the support I am getting and everyone’s watchful eyes I am feeling like I CAN DO THIS!

Be on the look out for my first report card post, coming this week. I will let you know how i’m doing…it’s sure to be riveting!

What goals do you have for this year? How are you doing? Please join the conversation in the comment section and let’s support each other!