So we are getting closer and closer to a New Year. For those of you who set goals for the next year at the end of each year, how did you do last year? I am asking honestly, not being a smart ass – promise.
One of the messages I find going around about making resolutions is that we should stop making them.
The definition of resolution is: the firm decision to do or not to do something. Nothing really wrong with that is there? Let’s take a look at the definition of a goal: the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. Hmmmmm, nothing really wrong with that either. Setting resolutions and goals are good things don’t you think?
Not to deflect but I came across this great website called www.thebestbrainpossible.com by Debbie Hampton and I completely encourage you to take a look. She wrote an article about the pros and cons of goal setting that I recommend you read it AFTER you read this blog post of course – lol. Here’s the link: https://www.thebestbrainpossible.com/goals-mental-health-brain-habits/
There are many reasons why people discourage resolutions. If you want to know about them just go to google and type in “reasons why resolutions are bad” and you will find hundreds of links. However, I argue, and many would agree with me, that we should always be wanting to set goals for ourselves and if it happens to take place at the end of each year and you have titled them resolutions – well so be it. See, it is not the act of setting goals and resolutions that’s the issue, the issue lies in the execution of these goals and resolutions.
This brings us to the “A” word – Accountability.
Research has shown that there are two factors that can effectively help people to achieve behavior change and they are incentives and accountability. In fact, your rate of success can increase by 95% when you have an accountability partner that will actually hold you accountable. 95%!!!!
If we want to change our current state then getting an accountability partner may be a good first step.
For myself, I like to consider myself a fun person. My passions are to teach, to encourage, and to support. In order to do these things successfully, I have found that being creative is the best way to reach people. So I will create videos, programs, and post fun memes etc… I believe that when we can reach people and make a connection, we have the beginning of possibility. HOWEVER – this creativity of mine can land me into some trouble. Let me give you an example.
I can have a plan for what I am going to do for the day. I have my to do list ready and I look at it in the morning with a plan of execution in mind. One of the things on my to do list is to do some writing daily because I want to publish 2 books in 2019. Now, I’m not sure if this happens to you, but when I sit and get quiet and alone in my ideas, creativity starts! And let me tell you, I start writing out those ideas and get excited! The problem is that what I am writing is not what is needed for the book. Therefore, when I call my biz partner/accountability partner, Jennifer Jimbere , she will politely but firmly say – “Jen, that’s great. How’s the book coming?”. This comment will quickly ground me and get me back on track. What I have learned is that having creative ideas is great but what I attempt to do now (I say attempt because I am ALWAYS successful) I will write them down, park them, and continue with the task at hand. Having an accountability partner helps me to get closer to accomplishing my goals.
As mentioned, there is nothing wrong with being creative. Often times it fuels our passions and makes life interesting, but when our creativity gets in the way of progress it truly helps to have an accountability partner to help move you forward.
Who is your accountability partner? Reach out to them and thank them for helping to keep you on track. If you do not have an accountability partner then check out this link and join me and Jennifer Jimbere on Monday mornings. Click HERE for the link. If you already know that you want to be part of a weekly accountability group then click HERE and I expect to see you on Monday.
Jennifer Slay is an award winning speaker and best selling author. She is a registered social worker and therapist and one half of the Thrive Experts. For more information or to book Jennife to speak at your event, email at www.jenslay.com or call 1-877-786-7190.
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