Why I Failed at Resolutions In The Past and What I am Doing Different this Year

I have NEVER kept a single New Year’s Resolution! Ever! I make lists, write down goals, start a journal, and even for a couple of years picked a word for the year to inspire me. But like a lot of people I have failed or forgotten about my resolutions by February if not sooner. Telling myself each year that this is normal, I take comfort in that thought and continue to go on through the year with the “wish” of accomplishing that certain goal or dream that stays in my mind even if I don’t work to see it to the end.

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What I really failed at was planning to succeed. Have you ever heard the quote “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” I failed at planning on how to achieve my goals. It is silly to think that writing down a goal will mean that you will actually achieve it. Goals take planning and execution and determination.

But what if I really want this year to be different? Then of course that would require me to step out of my comfort zone and actually try a new approach. I am really motivated this year to finally do just that. Why is this year going to be different? I’m not sure but for some reason God has given me a deep desire and motivation to make it different.

Let me just say here this is NOT a post about how I am going to chant motivation quotes to you and say I have it all figured out and this year is going to be my most perfect and best year ever. I am not going to fool myself and you with those lines.

Completing one goal motivates you to accomplish more!

What I am saying is that in 2017 we had one of our dreams fall beautifully in our lap with the purchase and renovation of our first rental house, The Bradford Street House. It was unexpected, stressful, expensive, and fun all at the same time. And let me add very motivating! Our business is a reality and we actually earn an income from a goal we never planned to happen in 2017.

Now I am motivated to work my butt off to achieve some other goals in my life! But I still need help with making a plan and a course of action.

I read lots of other bloggers and their emails and one of my favorites is Rosemarie Groner at busybudgeter.com. In her emails she often mentioned that she follows The 12 Week Year system. Over the recent holidays I read the book.

Game changer!!

Last week following some of the writer’s advice and guidance I have planned out three goals for my first 12 Week Year. I certainly have more than three goals for this upcoming year but wanting to make sure I have a better chance of completing my goals and being motivated to complete even more, I chose to focus on only three in the main areas of my life. My business, my health and fitness, and my finances.

Sounds like a familiar list for most of us.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know this is not my normal type of post that I usually write. That is how excited I am about trying out the techniques in this book. I am not going to share any details about the book or the authors’ advice. Mostly, I just want to encourage you to read it yourself or any other book that will help you plan and reach your goals for this year.

I also purchased a new goal setting planner this year. Last year was the first year I have tried using a planner and even though I didn’t use it as much as I could and should have, I still find myself addicted to having a planner for this year and one I plan to wear out the covers keeping my life in order. This year I purchased the Happy Planner. I know there are more eleborate planners on the market but since I am fairly new to using a planner I am sticking to a basic on until I figure out what I like the most in a planner.

Have you tried the 12 Week Year guidelines? If you have or have found success with other time management systems I would love to hear about them in the comments.