Happy New Year (ya didn't see THAT one coming, did you?)

Well, it's about 1pm.  I'm still in my pjs just now sipping on a cold cup of Starbucks, because I just couldn't get to it until now.......you can surmise why, I guess......

Tis a new year.

Tis a new chance for a new beginning.

What are you going to do about it????

I've recently talked about chunking it down, but I really want to focus on levels of expectation.  It seems every year we start out hoping it's better than the next.  And more often than not, it's exactly the same or worse than we had hoped.

"hoped"

So my question is "Why?"

What are we doing every year that we actually miss the mark?  Are you actually working your expectations, or just hoping they will fall into your lap?

I work in a job where there are people who hope to see things happen and those who make it happen.

And whether it's in losing weight, getting a job, making your job better, or aspiring for greater things, it all comes down to one thing.....a GOAL!!!!

Most people make resolutions.  Here's the definition of a Resolution: a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.

Now here's the definition of a Goal: the end toward which effort is directed .

A resolution is vague, at best!  A goal actually pulls you toward it!!!

There are big goals and little goals.  There is reality and there is hope.  If you are realistic about your goals, you make steps to get to the top.  If you resolve to get there (Resolution), you can hang out if you wish.  But if you have a GOAL to get to the top, the momentum will eventually pull your towards it as long as you are working in that direction.  Literally, your every effort and decision must be based on that goal!

When you go to college, you expect to be there at least 4 years.  The map is laid out for you based on your desired degree.  It's been done for so many centuries, it's rote.  No one things about that being a goal.  It just is.

But if you aspire to something that is not laid out, how do you go about it???  Start with the end in mind.  And go backwards until you have mapped out the beginning, middle and end.   Small goals in between will pull you in the right direction, and in the end, you will be were you want to be!!!

It's that simple!  But there's a hitch......are you ready???

It has to mean something to you!

I always talk to my members about the bridal goal.  When a girl gets married and she buys a dress that is too small, there is no other option than to lose the weight by a certain date.  And since she wants to look beautiful, she WILL do it!!!  That is a bridal goal. 

Most of us can't find that kind of inner motivation, so we have to take really small steps to get there.  And sometimes we have to readjust our goals, which is okay!

But having an actual goal will give weight and consequence to your every decision.  So a goal is a must!

So if this year didn't go as well as the last few that you wanted....then take a look and see what you would change.  Then make a GOAL and get moving.....

However, if you are feeling a little lazy like myself today.....you can resolve to do it later!!!

Happy New Year!!!  Make it a great one!!!