How to Set Goals for 2015 When Your Past Resolutions Failed

It’s that time of year again.

One holiday down and the other’s are quickly approaching. We’re spending more money than usual on gifts, decor, and entertaining. Our clothes are slowly getting tighter from holiday party food binges.

And the closing of another year inspires us to make resolutions.

In the back of our minds we’re vowing to take control of our finances, weight, or professional goals as soon as the clock strikes 12 a.m. on January 1.

I can relate.

It’s seems like every year when December rolls around I remember a few goals I haven’t met and I want to make significant changes in the New Year.

But how can we realistically change and make the most of 2015 without making resolutions?

Because let’s face it.

Resolutions usually get forgotten by Valentine’s Day. Well, this year that’s going to change for both of us. I’ve put together some action plan rules to write good goals and keep them at the forefront of our minds as we rock 2015.

1. Draft, draft, and redraft.

I’m sure by now you know what S.M.A.R.T goals are, so I won’t delve into much detail. But creating goals that can be easily measured and have a designated time frame of completion is always “smart” 🙂 .

Draft your goals for the next year multiple times. I’m currently in the fifth stage of my drafting process. Why? It takes some time to iron out exactly what you want and how you’ll get there. Turn off technology, remove all distractions, and reflect thoughtfully on what you hope to accomplish.

2. Don’t forget to object.

The worst thing about New Year’s resolutions is that they’re usually made up of aspirations without deep thought on how to make it happen. If you don’t lay out the steps to make a change, expect no change.

Tons of people go out and sign up for gym memberships in January, but without a fitness plan it’s wasted money with no results. So along with your goals write down objectives. My goal is _______ and I’m going to get here by doing ________ each day for ___________ and I’ll know I’m successful when ___________.

3. Automate.

Take all the manual work out of checking your goals because in all the chaos of ordinary life we forget them. My goals sat on the fridge for a year and even though I love to eat, some of my goals still fell into obscurity. Set calendar alerts on your e-mail or smart-phone that will alert you to tasks you need to complete on the path to reaching your goal.

4. Find a friend.

The buddy system in anything is helpful. Having someone in your corner who knows what you’re trying to work towards is priceless. Look for an accountability partner. Swap goals with each other and monitor progress throughout the year. Being accountable to someone other than yourself will light a fire under you.

5. Change ’em.

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls – both good and bad. So it’s okay if you have a goal in the beginning of the year that’s no longer relevant as time progresses. Just go back to the drawing board and change it. And when you meet a goal give yourself a gold star and come up with another one.

How was your year? Have you met the goals you set for yourself? Do you have any other tips to share on keeping track of your goals?