I attended a workshop recently where I was asked to write down my three biggest accomplishments from 2011 and then later was asked to write down my top three goals for 2012. I was surprised to discover that my biggest accomplishments were all related to my work life while my goals for 2012 were all related to my personal life. It dawned on me that the bigger message in this was that it was time to start shifting some time and focus to my own well-being.
The top 10 resolutions people make, if they make them at all are, in no particular order:
- Exercise
- Quit smoking
- Lose weight
- Quit drinking
- Enjoy life more
- More time with family
- Get out of debt
- Learn something new
- Help others
- Get organized
Some resolutions are about stopping a behavior that is destructive to you and some are about starting a behavior that will contribute to your overall quality of life.
As an organizing specialist, I believe that getting organized does both of these things. Encourages you to end a behavior that no longer serves you and helps you develop new habits that will benefit you immediately and over time. That’s why our motto is “Make Room For Your Life; Not Just Your Stuff”
Here’s an example. Let’s say you decide 2012 is the year you are finally going to be prepared for tax time. From the standpoint of ending a negative behavior this could mean anything from, “I will not wait until the last minute to prepare my taxes,” to “I will no longer just throw my receipts in a shoebox.”
From the standpoint of starting a positive behavior this could mean anything from “I will make this year the year I organize and capture all my expenses, income and contributions electronically so that I will have everything ready when it’s time to complete my tax form or send it to my tax preparer,” to “This is the year I will actually get my taxes done on time.”
So this year, make a resolution that doubles it’s impact on your life. But be sure it’s something you really want and are ready to commit to. Then track your progress by setting up mini goals that make it easier for you to move closer to your larger goal.
Here’s mine for example: I want to lose weight and feel better. Rather than put it in the form of pounds, I’ve decided to put it in the form of a percentage. Why? Because there are real and measurable benefits from losing even 5% of your body weight when you are overweight (as I am).
So here’s my goal with my three mini goals to follow
- Lose 30% of my current body weight by January 2013
- Lose 20% of my current body weight by September of 2012
- Lose 10% of my current body weight by May 2o12 (my birthday month – what better present to give yourself?)
- Lose 5% of my current body weight by March 2012
So if you are reading this, you can assume I am inviting you to encourage me as I will need to meet my goal. I will keep you posted and if you like, send me your thoughts, encouragement, ideas and anything else you want to say that will keep me motivated. Feel free to also send them to LET’S MAKE ROOM’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Letsmakeroom) or my Twitter Feed @letsmakeroom or hashtag #letsmakeroom
Here’s to a healthier, happier and more caring 2012!
