At the beginning of each year, I make the decision to exercise more often than I did the year before. Why? Because being healthy can add years to my life and because I want to tone up my arms, legs, and tummy. Besides, I am always trying to find ways of getting rid of the excess flab that keeps hanging on to my body. 

Even though I want to be healthy, and I want to lose weight, I don’t always follow through on exercising. I find myself making excuses… I am either too tired, or not feeling up to it, or would rather veg out on the couch and binge on my favorite shows on Netflix for hours. Yet I really do want to be healthy, but it is so hard to get started and do the things that I know can help be to live a long life.

Does this sound familiar to you? Do you find it hard to start on your New Year’s resolutions or even the goals you set each day?

As you know, it is customary for most people to make New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of each year, because who doesn’t want to improve either physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually or financially.

Most Common New Year’s Resolutions

According to an article on goskills.com, an online learning platform, the 10 most common New Year’s resolutions are:

1. Exercise more
2. Lose weight
3. Get organized
4. Learn a new skill or hobby 
5. Live life to the fullest
6. Save more money / spend less money
7. Quit smoking
8. Spend more time with family and friends
9. Travel more
10. Read more

Did you notice the New Year’s resolution I make each year is the number 1 most common resolution? Is that one of your resolutions also?

How about the others that are listed, do any of them sound familiar to you?

The reality is, making plans and making the decision to do something to improve yourself is easy. But the hard part is starting and consistently following through with those plans.

If you really want to accomplish all the goals you have set, you must find a way to motivate, encourage or empower yourself to get started and then get started.

Nine Steps to Help You Accomplish Your Goals

So, here are nine proven steps that have helped me finally accomplish the goals I set each year. I hope you will find them helpful.  So far, they have helped me complete six 5Ks, one 10K and three half-marathons over the past three years. And have been instrumental in helping me become the person I am today.

1. Make a conscious decision to commit to self-improvement. Making a commitment to better yourself is half the battle, so do it as soon as possible.
2. Set aside a specific time to decide on three goals that will help you to become a better version of yourself. Write them down and put them in order of priority. Then clearly delineate what actions you will need to take to accomplish the goals and work on them one at a time. This will decrease the chances of you becoming overwhelmed and giving up.
3. Decide on a start date and stick to it. Write it on your calendar or put it as an alert in your mobile devices.
4. Get an accountability partner. Select someone who will hold you accountable for your plans and deadlines. The individual you choose must be positive and must be an encourager or you will have a difficult time getting the support you need.
5. Intentionally surround yourself with friends, relatives and coworkers who are also making self-improvement a priority. This will give you the motivation to follow through on your commitment.
6. Read, read and read. I learned about personal development from individuals who have made it their life’s work and have written extensively on the subject. They have also been successful in their personal development. Here are a few of the books I have found helpful:
   • Atomic Habits by James Clear
   • Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by Brian Tracy
   • The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews
   • The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
   • How to Let God Solve Your Problems by Charles Stanley
   • Intentional Living by John C. Maxwell
   • How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
   • Mastering the Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews
   • The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
   • The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers
   • The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell
7. Attend workshops, seminars, talks and/or watch videos and program on personal development or self-improvement. Get as much information as you can to help you to meet the goals you have set.
8. Implement what you have learned. Growth will not take place if the information is not used to make yourself a better person
9. When you have met your goals, take the time to celebrate your accomplishments by treating yourself to your favorite meal, dessert or activity. You decide!

These steps are not the only ones that will help you to accomplish your goals and improve yourself. However, they worked for me, and I hope they will work for you too.  

Also, if you need help to get you on track, I offer tailored coaching services that can help you accomplish your goals. Why not check out the programs I offer and contact me if you are interested in getting the help you need to meet your goals for the upcoming year.

Final Thoughts

Following through on your goals takes commitment, consistency and persistence. While this is true, always seek God’s guidance and ask Him what He wants you to do for the upcoming year. Once your life is committed to Him, He will lead you in the direction that will be of benefit to both you and Him.  Afterall, “we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT).

Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made!