New Year's Resolutions Don't Work - This Year Try Value-Based Smart Goals!

Are you tired of falling into the yearly trap of the New Year's (tin nhan chuc mung nam moi) Resolution?

Like so many people, you've existed before: On December 31st with the help of a great glass of Champagne you prepare to introduce the New Year with some Amazing Resolutions: "Exercise, save money, loose that additional weight, discover a brand-new job ..." just to find yourself back to your initial point 6 months later?

What took place? For some reason after a couple of weeks our daily routine restores it's power and we drift off and get lost.

Are you prepared to develop an Extraordinary year 2008 and set some objectives that you will In fact Reach?

The main is a whole brand-new approach to New Year's (tin nhan chuc tet) Resolutions: SMART Value-Based Goals.

Consider it: The number of times did you set Goals that were not really in tune with who YOU are? With the deep core of what really matters to YOU?

Do you wish to save money because you think that is exactly what you are supposed to do? Do you want to loose weight because you hesitate that otherwise you won't be loved? Do you want to exercise because that's what EVERYBODY is doing except you? Are you scared of changing your Career since you think you are Not nearly enough (others are but not you !!! What are they going to think if you fail?) Can you see how your attention is not on what really matters to you but what really matters to others?

This year, start by checking in with Your Values. Values are the things that, to us, are intrinsically valuable or desirable. We have all developed a unique system of values that identify how we feel about what we are doing.

If we have a goal that is at chances with our values we won't be delighted and fulfilled if we reach it and it may be harder to reach because we have more resistance to achieving it. Setting up a goal that is congruent with our values leads us to be more satisfied and successful in reaching it.

In working to reach the goal we feel connected with our essential self, with who we really are. That's why even when it requires lots of hard work, it feels a lot easier than working on a goal that doesn't really "make good sense" to us.

Now, close your eyes and connect with what you wish to see appear in your life.

Do a Visualization exercise about the life you want to create in the coming year. What REALLY MATTERS?

Surrender and dive into your essential self.

Once you have more Clarity about your Values you can create SMART Values Based Goals.
SMART stand for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reachable, Time Bound.

SPECIFIC:.

Specific is the What, Why, and How of the SMART model.

WHAT are you going to do? Use action words such as direct, organize, coordinate, lead, develop, plan, build and so on

. WHY is this important to do at this time? Exactly what do you wish to eventually accomplish?

HOW are you going to do it? (By ...).

Ensure the goals you set is very specific, clear and easy. For Example: if you want to create deeper connections with your Family, go one step further and be more specific.

WHAT: Implement Family night into our Routine.

WHY: To create much deeper connections among Family members.

HOW: Share the Idea with family members over dinner, Find Fun Activities that Everyone will Enjoy, Choose a day.

MEASURABLE:.

If you can't measure it, you cannot manage it. You need to be able to determine if your goal is reached. Exactly how will you see when you reach your goal? Be specific! "I want to have 3 family nights each month for the next 12 months except for the Month of July and August". As you can see "I want to improve our family relationship is not as measurable.".

Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. When you measure your progress, you stay on track. You can start by taking a look at your calendar and decide on the date of you 1 ststep toward your goal. You can decide to check in June and Celebrate halfway milestones.

ACHIEVABLE:.

If you set goals that are too far out of your reach, you probably won't be able to create the much needed commitment. Your subconscious will keep reminding you that it's too much for you and it will stop you from even giving it your best.

A goal needs to stretch you slightly so you feel you can do it and it will need a real commitment from you. It's good to step outside your comfort zone and set a goal that is some kind of a challenge however ensure it is Achievable.

REALISTIC:.

This is not a synonym for "easy". Realistic, in this case, indicates "do-able." It indicates that the learning curve is not a vertical slope; that the skills needed to do the work are available; that the project fits also with the other people involved.

Be sure to set goals that you can attain with some effort! Too difficult and you set the stage for failure, but too low sends the message that you aren't really capable. Set the bar high enough for a satisfying accomplishment!

TIME BOUND:.

Set a date for when you want the goal to be reached. In our example it could be that by the end of March you wish to have the Practice carried out. You have actually developed a routine, a habit for all your family members to be part of and enjoy "Family Night".

During the 1st three months you will be presenting the idea, making sure everyone's needs are met, choosing a day during the week, deciding on the program, and by the end of March it is an ongoing event that is part of your family life.

You're creating a way to connect with your family at a deeper level. Start with your dearest values and set your SMART Goals for 2008 in alignment with them. The focus is not on the Objective however on the Value. The goal is simply a way to execute something that deeply matters to you. If you want you can create a Vision Board to remind yourself and stay inspired.