Russ Dalbey's Blog

I have blogged a lot about setting goals. It’s what I’ve found to be critical to creating success, and it’s what the Dalbey Education Institute is really all about: helping people to achieve their goals and dreams.

The arrival of the new year brings a perfect opportunity to think about, revisit and set goals (although I think everyone should reconsider their goals in life on a regular basis… several times a year).

But, in talking to some friends and colleagues recently, it seems that plenty of people think that making New Year’s resolutions is a bit daunting, and, frankly, just too much pressure.

Well, no worries! Here’s some advice to help you set and KEEP those New Year’s resolutions and to start 2008 off right.

1. Define your resolutions and make them as specific as possible. Make sure they incorporate the “big picture” goal for your life. For example, let’s say you want to improve your overall health and well-being. That’s great! So, in order to do that, set a specific resolution to lose a specific amount of weight or build strength (see #2).

2. Set measurable resolutions… and commit to a schedule to get it done. This way, you are likely to achieve them.

Plot your resolutions out on a calendar: pick a day when you will have achieved that objective, then back it up and design a plan to make it happen by that date.

For example: let’s say that your goals are to lose 30 pounds and be able to walk 2 miles in 30 minutes by June 1, 2008. So, from January through June, you can set your measurable objectives: join a gym by January 31, meet with a nutritionist or trainer by February 15, start walking regularly by March 1, etc.

3. Make your resolutions realistic. Don’t resolve to become a lion tamer or an astronaut if that really isn’t going to happen and you’re not physically able to do it. Set goals and resolutions that you can achieve and that make sense for your life and your skills.

4. Don’t make too many resolutions. Setting too many can overwhelm you and set you up for failure. You should definitely set goals that will push yourself to try, do, learn and accomplish more, but don’t make the mistake of driving yourself in too many directions at once.

5. Involve your family and friends. Make sure you have a support system to help you accomplish your resolutions. Let others know what you’re gunning for! There will be days when you will need some moral support, and if your family and friends are behind you, you won’t be easily thrown off-track.

6. Forgive yourself. If you don’t achieve a goal, that’s okay. Don’t let that discourage you. All of life is a learning process and the point is to keep bettering ourselves and improving our lives – physically, spiritually, and monetarily. You haven’t failed until you fail to try.

And, remember, I am in your corner, rooting for you all the way. My staff and I are here to support all of our students and to help you achieve your personal goals and resolutions.

Call or email us…we’re here to help!

Happy New Year everyone!

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business