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Jan 6, 2006 6:59 am US/Central
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Simple Ways To Change Your Life In 2006
(CBS 11 News)
While failed resolutions and unrealistic goals are common and even expected, they don't have to be.
Labeled as an energy coach, Elizabeth Marshall, offers six steps to avoid the usual traps with a bit of inspiration.
"Just like a great golf swing, a successful new year is all about the approach and the follow-through," she said.
"It means getting clear about what you really want, designing a plan to help you get there, and then taking consistent action to implement that plan."
Marshall said whether people want to get in shape, find a great career, pay off debt, start their own business or get organized, they will success as long as they are serious and willing to take action.
Following are Six Success Secrets to help achieve those goals.
- Discover What You Really Want
- Believe It to Achieve It
- Set Up Your Support Structures
- Design SMART Goals
- Baby Steps Lead to Big Steps
- Create ANCHORS to Keep You on Course
"Before you take a step, stop and ask yourself the question, 'What do you REALLY want for your life and career in 2006?' " Marshall stressed.
She said people should consider "not" what they "should" want, what others want for you or what the latest magazine forecast as "hot."
"Suspend analytical thinking and take this question to heart. What really excites you and inspires you to get moving?"
A confirmed over-achiever and recovering "stress junkie," Marshall said if the goal doesn't excite or energize you, it's probably not worth the effort.
But, don't give up.
Famous names like Lance Armstrong and Oprah Winfrey continue to work toward a goal despite setbacks.
"They believe in themselves and move towards their goals with complete confidence," Marshall said. "Although it is tempting to credit their successes to superhuman strength or special superpowers, don't go there."
She said the best thing to do is visualize the goal — as in see yourself in a new job, a new house, debt free, or healthy and fit.
"That vision and belief will inspire you to act and dramatically increase the chances that you will actually achieve what you want."
Another key element is achieving a goal is the right environment and frame of mind.
"Environments are quite powerful. They can either set you up for wild success or dismal failure, regardless of how determined you may be," Marshall said.
For example, she said those who want to eat healthier without sugar or junk added, removing all the sugary treats from the home would be a good first step.
Regarding paying off debt, taking credit cards out of a wallet and throwing away the tempting catalogs are achievements.
Marshall also said there is one thing to designing a goal and another to actually achieving it.
"Success not only takes confidence, but skill and strategy as well. One of the main reasons that New Year's Resolutions die before they begin is because they are unspecific, unrealistic and downright impossible to achieve," she said.
"Who has the energy to exercise 7 days a week, look for a new job and pay off large amounts of debt at the same time and in 30 days or less? I get tired just thinking about that."
Marshall recommends SMART goals. They are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed.
Another key step is taking things slow.
"In launching a fitness program, financial plan or career search, I have seen clients get off to a great start only to burn out a few weeks later. Why is that? It comes back to the approach. If you begin a job search or exercise plan with the mindset of a sprinter, then you will probably run out of fuel long before you reach the finish line," Marshall said.
Consistent action builds incredible momentum over time, even for those taking baby steps, she added.
Finally, the get around those, challenges and obstacles that threaten to derail progress and sabotage success, Marshall reminds people to create an anchor.
Some examples might be a picture of a dream house for those paying off debt, an inspiration quote or other object.
"It can be anything else that connects you emotionally to your goal. Use your anchor daily or as often as you need to stay inspired," Marshall said.
(CBS 11 News)