How to Make an Empowering Plan for the New Year
The new year is approaching for us at our summer camp near Chicago, and for everyone around the world. For those who are resolution makers, here’s a recent article from psychotherapist Maud Purcell on how to make a plan that you can stick to.
Highlights include:
• Work backward: Start now by clarifying your goal and then envisioning, in precise terms, what you want to have accomplished by the end of 2014. Now work backward to determine the objectives necessary to get there.
• Create a schedule: Break down your objectives into bite-sized steps and schedule these into your calendar.
• Set realistic goals: The downfall of many New Year’s resolutions is that they aren’t attainable in the first place.
• Find an accountability partner: A friend, family member or coach can help you determine and plan your goal, objectives and steps, to assist with accountability and follow-through, making it much more likely that you’ll reach the desired outcome.
• Incentivize yourself with rewards: Now that you have a schedule, determine at what points you’ll reward yourself for your efforts.
• Set up a reminder system: Take advantage of a wealth of available technology to help you stay on track.