It's January - the time that many of
us make resolutions for what we want to change/fix/improve in our lives
over the coming year.
Resolutions are a good idea in
theory, but they get a bad rap. Let's face it: On December 31st, as we
wax nostalgic for those 30 seconds before the ball drops in Times
Square, we are filled with optimism about what we are going to do
differently in the New Year. The problem is, many of us have
unrealistic expectations about what or how much we can change, which
sets us up for a bitter disappointment.
I think having goals to strive for
is always a good idea. I prefer to break my goals into smaller time
increments. Instead of goals for the year, I make 3-month goals and
weekly goals.
Over the past year, I have been
fortunate enough to have a fantastic accountability partner for my
organizing business. This woman, a fellow organizer in another state,
and I call each other on a weekly basis to discuss what we accomplished
in the past week, and what we want to work on for the coming week.
Prior to the call, I send her my 3-month goals via e-mail. Each week, I
forward this same e-mail to her, and copy myself. I write comments
next to each goal and revise them each week, so I can see the progress I
have made. When the 3 months are up, I create a new list of goals,
often building on the previous set of goals.
Having an accountability partner is a
great way to stay motivated for the long-term achievement of your
goals. Your partner should be someone who is quick to praise your
accomplishments, able to point out the positives when you are feeling
negative, yet firm enough to give you a nudge when you are stalling out
on a goal progression. And of course, these are the same things you
should do for your partner.
My challenge to you this week is to
revise your resolutions into manageable quarterly goals, and find a
friend or colleague willing to be your accountability partner. I would
love to hear from you about your progress - so feel free to leave a
comment on this blog!
© Organizing Magic, LLC - 2011. All Rights Reserved.
