Strategic Resolutions

Posted on 04. Jan, 2012 by frank in faith, leadership

Don’t make the mistake of treating this year like every other.  So often we go into a new year and get excited about a chance to start over, but we only set ourselves up for dissapointment.  We pull together our goals and resolutions for the year and maybe one or two will get accomplished but many sit on the list, only to make their way to next years list, and the next…  see where this is going?

The solution for me has been to get strategic with my goals.  You can get strategic with your new year’s resolutions this year.  The key is not in creating the list, its in stratigically planning how to accomplish the goals on the list – the “when” and “how” these things get accomplished.

Here are a few examples of popular goals I’ve heard people set over the years:

1. lose 20 pounds

2. read the entire bible

3. get out of debt

Great goals! However, just putting them on paper (and even reminding yourself regularly by posting on your refrigerator) is not enough to accomplish anything on this short list.  Each of these goals requires Preperation, Accountability, Planning, and Action – (PAPA – a goofy way I remember).

As an example lets take goal number 3 Getting Out of Debt and strategically figure out how to make this goal a reality.

1. Preparation:

We can’t even begin to approach a goal until we do the research. You have to research your goal and it may require some self-evaluation.  In this example… How much debt do you have? How soon can you get out of debt? Is 1 year realistic or does it have to happen over 2-3 years? Are there programs, groups, professionals, and resources you can seek out for help? Researching your goal and what is available to help you acheive it is key to getting started.

2. Accountability:

Preparation you can do on your own, but an important part of self-motivation is TELLING SOMEONE. We need accountability to keep us going, to stay motivated, and it goes beyond just telling someone.  Give someone permission to ask you the hard questions. Let someone far enough into your daily life so they confront you when you get off track.  It’s not easy because it requires transparency, and a high level of commitment. It means you might get embarrassed from time to time when you fail or make a mistake, but if the person holding you accountable is a true friend or mentor, they will help you get back up and continue pushing forward toward your goal.

3. Planning:

Once you’ve got someone to hold you accountable and some research under your belt, what’s your plan? What are the small goals that will help you achieve the greater goal and when does it need to happen?  Fortunately, for the debt illustration that are some great plans in place that you can take advantage of and hit the ground running. Programs like Financial Peace University that will help you implement a custom financial plan to debt freedom.  Putting the extra time into the preparation phase can help you in the planning phase of managing goals strategically.

4. Action:

After the planning is finished GET STARTED! Action is the most important part of setting goals. So many people get stuck talking about their goals or researching possible solutions and never get anything accomplished.  Before you know it next year will have come and gone and the same goal will be on your list. Sometimes its helpful to have someone take action with you. When one person isn’t motivated to continue the other can pull them along.  In the debt illustration – have a spouse work with you, or a friend that has the similar goals.  Accomplishing the same goal with a friend or family member can be fun and provide the extra motivation you need to be a person of action!

Now make some strategic resolutions!!!