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Hi friend,
If you've ever made goals for yourself that you haven't been able to follow through with... you're not alone! In fact, only 9% of folks who make New Year resolutions actually stick with them.
The good news is that the problem often lies in the goal itself, not the person. So if you've already started fading on your resolutions (or never bothered making any because of past failures), give yourself the permission to let them go and reflect on making goals that you can actually stick to, with these 6 tips (below) in mind.
(And if you find those helpful, check out my live workshop this Saturday on Resolutions That Last.)
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— ONE —
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Move from “Shoulds” to “Wants”
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Many people fail because they pursue goals based on societal expectations, fear of failure, or the desire to please others.
But if your goal doesn't resonate with your own desires, it's going to be hard to sustain commitment to it over time.
So instead of chasing after what you feel you should do, take a step back and reconnect to your own authentic values.
Ask yourself:
What matters to me?
What do I personally want to achieve?
How does this align with the life I want to live?
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— TWO —
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Find Your "Why"
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Expanding on number 1 above, you need to understand why your goal matters to you.
When you can give yourself a clear and meaningful reason behind your actions, it will be easier to keep your motivation going—even when you run into obstacles along the way.
Ask yourself:
Why is this goal important to me?
What value, purpose, or feeling am I seeing through this goal?
How will achieving this positively impact my life (or the life of others)?
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— THREE —
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Make the Switch from Deficiency to Fulfillment
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Many goals come from a place of deficiency— fixing something that's wrong, avoiding something bad, or looking to fill a hole of some kind.
These kinds of goals are rooted in fear, shame, or inadequacy — which are not great motivators in the long run... and often lead to burnout, frustration, or even self-sabotage.
So try shifting your focus to fulfillment by setting goals that are positive, joyful, and meaningful in your life.
Ask yourself:
Am I setting this goal because I feel "not good enough" or because I want to experience growth and joy?
What do I gain from achieving this goal?
What positive feelings, experiences, or outcomes will this goal bring?
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— FOUR —
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Start Small and Be Specific
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Big, vague goals can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
Without a clear path forward, procrastination and frustration can take over, leaving you stuck.
So break your goal down into small, specific, and actionable steps that feel manageable and build momentum over time.
Ask yourself:
How can I break this down into bite-sized pieces?
What daily or weekly targets are reasonable to achieve and measure?
How can I celebrate small wins as I go?
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— FIVE —
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Build Intrinsic Motivation
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When we genuinely enjoy and value something, our motivation comes from within, creating fulfillment that isn't dependent on external circumstances.
When you connect with a sense of pleasure or joy while pursuing your goals (rather than relying solely on discipline or external rewards), the process itself becomes rewarding and makes it easier to keep going.
In other words, find joy in the process.
Ask yourself:
What feels good about this?
How can I make it enjoyable?
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— SIX —
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Recruit a Support System
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As you're making progress toward your goals, it can be helpful to have a support system in place to keep you on track.
Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you that can hold you accountable and offer perspective and helpful feedback.
Ask yourself:
Am I spending time with people who are supportive of my goals?
Who in my life encourages me in a helpful way?
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Want to Commit to Goals That Will Last?
Join me this Saturday for a Special Live Workshop
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Saturday, January 25, 2025
10:00 – 11:30 AM PT
(check your local time here)
Live on Zoom
Registration Fee: $49
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This 90-minute live session will cover:
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Clarifying What Matters Most: Align your goals with your core values to make it easier to sustain motivation.
Building Sustainable Momentum: Learn practical tools to overcome resistance and continue taking meaningful steps forward.
Navigating Obstacles with Confidence: Develop strategies to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
Harnessing Your Inner Strengths: Cultivate self-compassion, resilience, and a sense of agency to stay on track, even when life gets tough.
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| Save Your Spot
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I hope you found these tips helpful, and if you choose to join me on Saturday, I look forward to diving into making a plan that will work for you, and that you'll enjoy along the way.
Warmly,
Rick
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