Keep Your 2010 Resolutions Simple

As we start the New Year there is usually excitement, optimism and renewal in the air. Some people set very loft resolutions and goals, others don’t do any goal setting, some aren’t goal setters, period and then there are those like myself who are continually setting goals thus setting “New Year’s Resolutions” is relatively meaningless.

I want you to be successful in the goals that you set. The trick is to set goals that are achievable and then keep building or adding on to those goals. In short – take lots of baby steps that will allow you to achieve your bigger picture goal. Way too many business owners don’t do any planning or goal setting because it then becomes this heavy weight that they are unable to execute on (or don’t know how to execute).

The secret is K.I.S. – Keep It Simple. Try breaking your goal down into small weekly bite size pieces. Just focus on one part of your goal each week. An example many can relate to – if your goal is to lose a certain amount of weight, during one week just focus on cutting out soda drinks. Add water and tea to your diet. That is it. In the following week you can add or change something else in your diet that will help you achieve your goal.

From a business perspective you might have a goal that says you want to implement and execute a marketing plan. Great, break it down – one week focus on defining the elements of the marketing plan, the following week focus on completing certain sections of the marketing plan and so on until the plan is complete. From an execution perspective, again start simple. If your marketing plan includes social media – start simple. For a week or maybe a month, focus on making Twitter part of your regular marketing activities. Then add another component of your social media plan. Start slowly adding in various components of your marketing plan until performing marketing activities becomes part of your company behavior/culture. When the year comes to an end you will have achieved your goal!

Make sure that you include others in helping you achieve your goals. Having people there to help and support you will make it that much easier to accomplish your 2010 resolutions. And don’t forget to celebrate your victories along the way! There is no need to wait until the end of the year to acknowledge that you got things done! For every baby step you complete, do some sort of celebration. This can be a little personal thing you do for yourself or something bigger that you share with team members.

I wish you well on your journey in 2010. You have the potential for greatness in you! Go for it! Start small. Make a promise and keep it.