For 2012, Let’s Get Serious About New Year’s Resolutions

Every year we make New Year’s resolutions, and every year we forget
them by March. But what if we could actually make our goals happen? What
if we could actually stick with it?

To make resolutions work we have to first learn how to make change
happen in our lives—how to embrace it, and how it use it to take us to
the next level. So this year, before you lock in resolutions, let’s
study this list of how to position ourselves for change. I’ll pulled
these from my book Jolt! and I think they’ll help you in 2012:

1. First, Understand That There Can Be No Other Choice.
Most New Year’s resolutions fail because the stakes aren’t high enough.
When it’s not important, we don’t take our resolutions seriously. What
do you need to change that’s really “life or death” for you? An extra 10
pounds might not be much to most people, but for a model, actress or
athlete, it could kill a career. Don’t make a resolution unless it’s
really critical.

2. Cut Away Negative Relationships. Good
relationships inspire and motivate you. Bad relationships suck the life
out of you and grind you down. In 2012, surround yourself with people
who believe in your vision. Get rid of the negative people in your life,
and surround yourself with people who are convinced of your
possibilities!

3. Change What Matters. Take control of your
priorities, and you’ll take control of your life. We often fail because
we don’t take the time to decide what’s really important. A promotion
has little value if it comes at the expense of your family or spiritual
life. Stop spending so much time on what other people think is urgent,
and spend more time on what really matters.

4. Eliminate Destructive Distractions. Release the
negative baggage from your life. Stop re-living your last failure and
start focusing on the future. The divorce, firing, bankruptcy or other
disaster in your past does not determine your future. As long as you
dwell in the past, you’ll never discover your destiny.

Think about these four things before you decide on resolutions.
Because the truth is, when you know how to position yourself for change,
annual “resolutions” matter less because you’re always looking for ways
to improve your life.

Have a great time in 2012!