Colorado State University - Global Campus
Blog
We don’t want that to happen to you, so today we’re giving you our best tips and tricks for making the most common resolutions stick. Set yourself up for success by creating SMART goals to start. Not only will that propel you into 2017 on the right foot, but you’ll have what you need to keep it going all year long.
If you’re ready to make this year your best year yet, come see us at Denver7’s New Year New You Expo on January 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Colorado Mills. CSU Global is giving free, one-on-one, 10 minute career coaching sessions that will put you on the best path for career success in 2017.
Unfortunately, a lot of well-intentioned people don’t get too far with their resolutions in the new year because they aren’t setting the right expectations. Utilize the SMART formula when creating resolutions to properly and completely identify what you want to accomplish and how you’re going to do it.
Now that you know how to create successful resolutions for the new year, here are four of the most common resolutions that typically fail. Utilizing the SMART formula, see how you can make these year-long resolutions a reality.
Not surprisingly, resolutions often center on improving one’s health. This could be anything from losing weight and eating healthy, to going to the doctor, or giving up smoking. The problem is that longtime habits aren’t easy to break, and an “all or nothing” mentality can lead to feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, inadequate, and eventually, giving up totally.
Utilize calendars, phone reminders, affirmations, the buddy-system, etc. to keep you striving toward your goals a little bit at a time. Losing one pound each week by exercising for 30 minutes, three times a week is a plan. Saying you’re going to lose 20 pounds this year is not.
Celebrate milestones and adjust your SMART goals when necessary. As long as you’re getting closer, rather than further away from your goals, you’re headed in the right direction.
Work related resolutions are particularly tricky because you may not have as much control over their outcomes. If your resolution is to get promoted or come home with a big raise, for instance, there are outside factors to consider. Instead, resolve to improve one aspect of your work performance as a way of moving closer to your long-term goal.
Once that raise or promotion become available you’ll look like a much better candidate. Not only will your superiors notice the steps you’ve taken to address your shortcomings, but you’ll also showcase your ability to learn new skills, resolve conflict, and be a team player.
If you’re looking to advance your career in 2017, you can open a lot of doors with a high quality degree in the appropriate field. Whether it’s a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or the right certificate, you can earn the knowledge you need to get ahead by going back to school.
That sounds great, right? Sure, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you know graduation is still a long way out.
Instead of resolving to finish your degree, which might not be possible in one year anyway, resolve to get started on earning the degree or certificate you need. The first step is the hardest so break this big leap into multiple pieces…
As you check off each task, you’re that much closer to the promotion and/or raise that you want for the long-haul. Earning your education isn’t quick or easy, but it can have huge implications for your professional future. Make 2017 the year you finally leap forward.
Wouldn’t it be great if you saved $50,000 this year? Of course! For most of us though, that’s a pretty unrealistic goal. Fortunately, this particular resolution is an easy one to break down, due to the fact that it’s all about numbers…
Start by evaluating, or creating, your budget to figure out what you can afford to save each month. Many people aim for 10% from each paycheck, but the amount you resolve to save is personal to your financial situation. If additional funds are not available and you want to find money for saving, utilize these tips to make the most of each dollar:
These small savings add up a lot quicker than you may think. Once you find a cheaper alternative to what you were doing, add the savings you received to your savings account immediately. Remember, the point is saving money, not redistributing how you spend it.
Remember, a resolution doesn’t do you any good in the New Year unless you actually keep it! Any progress is good progress, and you should be proud of every step you take in the right direction. Set smaller, SMART resolutions, and you’ll see big rewards before you know it.