As we’ve been hinting at in recent posts, we’d like to help you start the New Year off right with a plan to help you create your own “legendary” streak by Giving It All to one of those big goals you’ve always dreamed of achieving.
We’ll be writing more in the coming weeks on just how you can do this — don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all sorts of strategies and support — but first things first:
It’s time to decide what you’re raring to go after in 2015.
Getting Clear on the WHAT
You’ve probably made plenty of New Year’s resolutions in the past, but this isn’t quite the same.
There’s a reason why so many people fail to live up to their New Year’s resolutions: most of us don’t get all that clear on what precisely we’re resolving to do. We have a vague idea of something we’d like to change or some goal we’d like to achieve, but we’re not entirely sure how we plan on getting there on a day-to-day basis.
The streak you’re about to embark on — should you choose to accept our challenge (we hope you will!) — will help you avoid that pitfall. It’s got structure already built in, plus we’ll be right alongside you helping you work through any challenges and obstacles that arise.
But first, you need to get clear on exactly what you’ll be committing to, and why you’re committing to it.
When you think of the year to come, what’s the one thing you want more than ever to achieve? There’s no “right” or “wrong” answer; no goal that’s “too big” or “too small.” All that matters is that you choose something that means a lot to you — something that will feel legendary to you if you accomplish it.
Got your what? Then let’s continue…
Getting Clear on the WHY
The why part is very important. It’s the fuel your streak needs to succeed.
Wanting to quit smoking is one thing, but wanting to quit smoking so you’ll live a long life and have many happy years with your family is a much more powerful motivation.
Committing to sticking to your budget this year is a great goal, but it’s much more compelling when you realize that sticking to your budget will allow you to save for some important goals, like your retirement or your children’s education.
Behind every goal, there is a why. Get to the heart of yours, and you’ll be able to launch a streak that keeps going even on the days when you’re feeling tired and uninspired.
Got your why? Then next comes…
Getting Clear on the HOW
It’s also important that you get clear on the specifics of what your streak will look like in action. According to a recent study by the University of Scranton, “People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.”
A vague resolution like “I will get in better shape” doesn’t do you much good when it comes to what you plan on doing each day to achieve that goal. Much better is a concrete daily task, like “I will exercise for half an hour each day” or “I will make myself a healthy dinner with fresh ingredients.”
It’s hard to stick to a goal when you don’t know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing — especially if the goal is a big one, like writing a novel or losing 50 pounds. Break it down into one specific thing you can do on a daily basis that will get you closer to where you want to be.
Small steps lead to great things, but you need to know exactly what steps you’re planning to take. What will your small steps consist of? What action will you take every single day? How will you measure it?
Ready to Get Started?
The 56 Days of Giving It All challenge begins on January 1, 2015. We can’t wait to have you join us and together make the New Year one we’ll never forget.
To learn more, head on over here and enter your email to receive notifications and news to help you Give It All to your streak.
We’re looking forward to seeing what great things we can accomplish together!
Image source: Andrew Hurley
