Seven Solid Strategies for Success in the New Year

A Blanket of Fresh Snow

Imagine waking up to a fresh snowfall, devoid of footprints or tire tracks. Nothing but a pristine glistening icy blanket, erasing the dirt and grime of yesterday, and muffling the sounds of today. In the serenity of that scenario, picture yourself bundled up and stepping out into that fluffy field of potential, carefully making tracks toward your goals. In that moment of clarity, what could you accomplish if there were no obstacles or boundaries to stop you? The new year can be a blank slate of unlimited potential if you have a vision for your personal best. Here are seven simple strategies to help you finally move forward toward success.

1. Set Concrete Goals

You probably know what you don’t want for your life, but that is not enough to move forward. Take some time to define specifically what you do want. Think of all the areas of your life, like fitness, family, career, personal achievement, and write down in detail what you would like to accomplish in each. Use descriptive adjectives that bring your goals alive. Having a clear vision of what success looks like is the first step to getting there.

1. Have a Plan

Having a plan is the difference between a dream and a goal. Look at each of your goals and think of what you can do today to move closer to realizing your objectives. Every evening, or early each morning, write down mini-goals for the day that will take you closer to your goals. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, make a detailed plan for each meal and snack that you will eat that day. Write down which fitness activities you will do, at what time and for how long.

1. Take Baby Steps

Think of your life as a board game called “Success!” where you move each of your pieces ahead a tiny step at a time. Look at your goals and find some little way of moving toward each of them, each day. Before you know it, you will look back and see that you are well on your way!

1. Expect Obstacles and Setback

Achieving your goals is not always easy. Things happen in life that slow you down, stop you in your tracks, or even push you back a ways. Some of the obstacles come from your own thoughts and actions, and some come from people and circumstances over which you have no control. When you fall down, pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and get back on track as soon as you can.

1. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Always keeping your goals before you is key to achieving them. Post a written copy of your goals where you will see them often. Create a vision board that depicts what success looks like, and keep it in a prominent place. Make it the wallpaper for your devices, or use a bulletin board or magnets to post images of success where you can see them throughout the day.

1. Protect Your Dreams

You may think that sharing your dreams and goals with others is a way to keep yourself accountable. But other people often do not know you or understand you enough to be supportive. They see you through the lens of their own insecurities, fears and limitations. They may even see your success as a threat, and try to sabotage you. Do not allow others to steal your dreams, protect them with your life.

1. Refuse to Surrender

In the words of Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up!” If you believe in your dreams and goals and really want to achieve them, you must persevere with all your might. Every successful person has gone after their success with dogged determination. Dream big, and be relentless!

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