Three Tips for Making New Year's Resolutions Stick

The beginning of the year is the time most of us set goals for ourselves. It feels great to be ambitious and the prospect of “new year / new you” is exciting.

But many times we start strong only to get sidetracked and lose focus along the way.

How can you make New Year’s resolutions that stick? I’ve got three tips that have really helped me get across the finish line on goals I’ve set for myself. See if these work for you.

1. The company you keep really matters. It doesn’t help to have naysayers in your life, especially when you’re trying to make change. Surround yourself in 2017 with people who want to see you succeed. Positivity is contagious, so whatever your goals may be – whether it’s a lose-weight goal, furthering your education, advancing your career – keep company with those who will support you as you strive for success.
2. You need a boost. Marathons aren’t run from start to finish without refueling or receiving encouragement along the way. You need a boost – sometimes that’s the only thing that keeps you putting one foot in front of the other.My brother-in-law shared an example with me of what they do at his workplace to inspire and motivate their sales team when it’s needed most. Every Friday morning they gather for a 30-minute huddle to discuss what’s working and to help everyone finish the week strong. That’s just like anything in life – you need encouragement and even some accountability. Weight Watchers has weekly weigh-ins for a reason – partly for accountability, but also motivation to stay the course and don’t give up. A boost at the right time can make all the difference.
3. Write your goals down. Studies show that you are 42% more likely to stick to your goals when you write them down. Putting pen to paper is an excellent way to signal to your brain that you’re committing to something important.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a companion piece for my book: a 33-page “power guide” called The Road Ahead that will help you capture your thoughts, ideas – and most importantly your goals. It’s a goal-setting journal that is the best way to get the most from my book, Leading Through the Turn.

I hope these three tips help you make New Year’s resolutions that stick. Here’s to making 2017 the year you lead at your best.