Getting What You Want in 2014!

Tis the season for goals, resolutions and thoughtfulness on what we would like the year ahead to bring.  According to University of Scranton research, each year 45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions and less than 8% of American are successful with them.  Whether you are an annual resolver or tend to avoid them, there are several steps you can take to get what you want out of 2014.  Start taking action today and follow these steps throughout the year so that you are getting what you deserve in the year ahead.

1. Set specific goals.  I know- you’ve heard it before.  I’ve said it before!  That is because there may be no more important step toward achieving your desires than explicitly defining what they are.  This means that rather than saying you want to lose weight…dictate how much.  Rather than saying you want to make more money, decide how much more.  If your end goal seems too big…break it up into small goals.  Do you want to lose 50 pounds this year but that seems impossible?  Setting a goal to lose 5 pounds a month seems much more manageable and will give you the same result (actually exceed it)!
2. Set measurable and achievable goals.  This does not mean not to challenge yourself and stretch in the goal setting process.  But often people don’t stick to their goals or resolutions because they have made their goal too generalized and begin to feel like there is no finish line in sight.  Or their goals were so ambitious, they seem like insurmountable obstacles.  When mapping out your desires for 2014, be sure that you’ve identified the end goal, have a way to measure it and that although it may push you outside your comfort zone, your goals are practically attainable.
3. Turn your goal into a plan.  While setting goals is an important step, it is just the first step!  In the process of interviewing top industry experts in preparation for the publication of Three Feet From Gold, it quickly became clear that the willingness to create a plan and take ACTION was a common theme in not just how they were able to succeed, but how many of them were able to overcome obstacles along the way.  Creating a plan will not only provide you with the road map to achieving our goal, but will give you the confidence to pursue it knowing that you have a well-thought out strategy for reaching it.
4. Keep looking forward.  I hope that as you look back at 2013, you can celebrate the accomplishments and blessings you have in your life.  Few people see 100% achievement or success for their goals and resolutions.  But that does not mean for them that the year was a loss.  Even if you experienced tragedy or significant financial loss during the year, I encourage you to leave that where it belongs…in the past.  Our experiences are meant to be reflected upon and guide us…but they are not meant to define our future or stall us.  Think of it like a car…you have a rearview mirror to refer to what is behind you but your windshield is much larger because your focus should be on the future!

We all have the opportunity to cultivate 2014 into a year of prosperity.  If you feel stuck along the way, remember that there are support systems available to keep pushing you ahead.  Seek out a new networking group or read a book that will inspire you into action.  Outwitting the Devil was hugely impactful for me personally and was a gift in overcoming negativity so that I can focus on personal and professional missions.  I wish you a year of wonderful memories, inspired growth and achievements to be proud of!

To your success,

Sharon Lechter