I remember making my first New Year’s resolution which I promptly forgot by the second month back in 2007. This was the beginning of my writing things down. It was interesting how easy it was to make excuses, lose direction and sight of my vision. I let procrastination kick in, never feeling satisfied with the level of achievement. In 2009, I made up my mind to stop making excuses. It also meant trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone. The challenge was on.

I started to take a closer look at how I did things, challenge myself to trust that I could meet my objectives and realize I truly had passion for what I believed in. It was about adding value to everything and everyone around me.

By the middle of 2009, I formed the habit of writing articles, blogs, quotes, and journals, resulting in the publication of my first book in 2013. Since then, I have two additional books in the works, to be published in 2015. One of the rewarding New Year’s resolutions was starting a blog. Over the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my thoughts and comments, reaching more than 5000 readers.

So take a moment and rank your Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2015. Some might include:

1. Lose Weight
2. Get Organized
3. Spend Less, Save More
4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest
5. Get Fit and Stay Healthy
6. Learn Something Exciting
7. Quit Smoking
8. Help Others Achieve Their Dreams
9. Fall in Love
10. Spend More Time with Family

A few facts**:

45% of all Americans usually make New Year’s Resolutions

17% of all Americans who infrequently make New Year’s Resolutions

38% of all Americans who absolutely never make New Year’s Resolutions

8% of all people who are successful in achieving their resolution

49% of all people are infrequent successful

24% never succeed to achieve their resolution each year

Typically, people who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t. Out of these people, 8% are successful.

What does it take to be one of the 8% who succeed? Here’s my list.

1. Burning Desire

They all have “Burning Desire” to do whatever it takes to get the job done. There’s no hesitation or excuses regardless of circumstance.

2. Visualization

They visually see what they want to achieve in their mind. If you can’t picture the outcome, it will be difficult to achieve desired results.

3. Life by Design

They believe in “Life by Design” versus life by default. You gain so much more if you carefully plan rather than let circumstance take over. Without “Life by Design”, it’s hard to break out of the viscous circle that takes over, causing you to feel you’re too busy solving problems and playing catch up.

4. Power of Three

They understand the value of being laser focused on 3 tasks/projects each day. Keep a list of three things to be accomplish in a timely manner. This includes a “To Stop List” which intentionally works on ridding yourself of bad habits that are time consuming and reduces productivity.

5. No Fear Mindset

This is the mindset that must be developed at all costs.

• No fear of sharing your resolution
• No fear of taking risks
• No fear of going the extra mile
• No fear of taking on challenges that may make you, leading to a comfortable life
• No fear of waking up excited and inspired
• No fear of being responsible for your choices
• No fear of working hard
• No fear of helping others succeed
• No fear of failing and moving forward
• No fear of being the best that God wants you to be

6. Bold Print

They have the resolution in BOLD PRINT and visible everywhere and at any time.

7. Reward Driven

Making sure that they list all the rewards to achieve the resolution by the deadline and the list of consequences if not met.

Your challenge is to take your New Year’s resolution to a whole new level. Write your list down in “BOLD PRINT” with everything you want to accomplish in 2015. Make it visible and be sure to share your resolutions with everyone. Keep the rewards and consequences in front of you and enjoy achieving them. The feeling to succeed is amazing rather than the excuses and guilt of falling short of your dreams. Make this the beginning of a truly great year.

Wishing you a Happy New Year for 2015!

** University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology

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