Last week I conducted a webinar for a client and it was titled: New Year, New Business, New Success. Here’s the deal, I know a lot of us are distracted right now with the Christmas holiday season, the cards, gifts, decorating, cooking, celebrating, giving, donating, cleaning, wrapping, etc. and the truth is the New Year is coming, whether we want it to or not. Let’s not be a statistic and fall into the numbers of people across the nation depressed the last week of January because our credit card bills arrived and we’ve dropped the ball on our New Year’s Resolution. Shake things up and try something different.

Jan Brittain, the senior pastor of Williamson Chapel in Mooresville, NC shook things up at her church during stewardship season two years ago. Instead of launching a four week sermon series, mailing out several letters, and asking the congregation to make a 12 month commitment – she threw down a 90 day challenge. The results? Giving in her church has increased over 27%. 90 days isn’t as scary or overwhelming as 12 months.

My challenge to myself and to you for the New Year? Make a commitment for 90 days, stick to it and see what happens. Don’t waste time thinking about the past – put your foot on the pedal and move forward. Guess what? You don’t even have to start in January, maybe you decide to start your 90 day commitment in February. Shake it up! I look forward to hearing your results, send me an email at the end of your timeline – I am excited for your future success!

Goal Strategies:

  1. Keep it simple and identify your goals (3 professional goals and 2 personal goals – Maximum)
  2. Write your goals down and read them every day
  3. Share your goals with someone you like, trust and respect (ask him/her to check in with you periodically for accountability and encouragement)
  4. Stay Focused
  5. Say ‘NO’ to things that are not in alignment with your goals so you aren’t diluting your efforts trying to do too many things
  6. Let go of the things that are draining your energy and taking your time away from your goals
  7. Review the SMART goal formula – ask yourself if the goals meet the criteria?
    (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Spaced)
  8. Celebrate – reward yourself when you make significant progress
  9. Don’t beat yourself up if you make a mistake
  10. Stay the course

One of my favorite movies is A Knight’s Tale and William’s father encouraged him in his youth to “Change Your Stars.” Setting and achieving meaningful goals for 2016 can help change your personal and professional life. Be a catalyst for change with your goals for the New Year!