Choose Action Items Instead of Resolutions

Happy New Year! How are things going for you thus far?

Statistics and research shows that most people who make New Year’s Resolutions break them within the first month, before January 31. So what are the most popular resolutions? Below are the top 10 in 2008 compared to the top 10 in 2019. 

2008/ 2019 

1. Get out of debt or save money/ Diet or eat healthier
2. Lose weight/ Exercise more
3. Develop a healthy habit (such as exercise or healthy eating)/ Lose weight
4. Get organized/ Save more and spend less
5. Develop a new skill or talent/ Learn a new skill or hobby
6. Spend more time with family and friends/ Quit smoking
7. Other/ Read more
8. Work less, play more/ Find another job
9. Break an unhealthy habit (such as smoking, alcohol or overeating)/ Drink less alcohol
10. Change employment/ Spend more time with family and friends

Anything look familiar? Although 11 years have gone by, the resolutions are similar to this day; they’ve just shifted in priorities! 

What are the outcomes you desire to accomplish this year? We suggest you consider shifting any resolutions you have made to action items. (Time is on your side as it’s early in the month.) Why? Because resolutions are only as good as the action and implementation behind them. We are motivated to accomplish successful end results when we have thought through, are passionate about, and are willing to commit our time and energy to them. And be sure to have a powerful “WHY”! If being “healthier” to you is important, why do you want that? And what does “healthier” mean to you? If your career/ business is important to you, why do you do what you do? Clarity is power, and the clearer you are on the area(s) of life you want to improve and your action items, the more likely you are to achieve them!

Additionally, make sure you have the following six components for each of your desired action items: 

• Stated in the Positive: State your action item in the positive and keep a positive attitude. What specifically DO you really want? Eliminate negative language that focuses on what you don’t want, as what you focus on E X P A N D S! (Don’t think of a pink elephant – You already have!) 
• Measurable: Is your action item measurable? What do you want, how much do you want, and by when do you want it? Be specific with your action items and write them down. And as you go forward, keep track of your results. If you’re not getting close to where you want to be, stay flexible, curious and change your approach. 
• Sensory Based: How will you know when you have achieved your action item? Bring in the senses to determine what your successful end result will look like, sound like, and feel like. What will you see, hear and feel when you have it? 
• Maintainable & Controllable by You: Are you in charge of your results? Ultimately, you have to be responsible for your results and ensure they are within your control. While you can have support from others to assist in accomplishing your action items, refrain from relying on other people to reach success.
• Ecological: Is what you desire something that you can achieve safely? What are the risks involved? What will happen if you attain your desired result? What will happen if you don’t? Will you still be okay? Will your loved ones be okay with the results? How will it impact your life? What are the pros and cons? Make sure you are at peace with attaining what you desire! 
• Congruent: Are your beliefs and values in harmony? Do you believe you can achieve what you want? No matter what area of life you plan to move forward on, take time to determine if what you desire in in alignment with who you are and how you perceive the various areas of your life. What is most important to you in life? And what has to happen for you to have that in your life? Remember to surround yourself with like-minded people, as you will encounter less self-doubt and more confidence. 

In summary, take time to reflect and decide what you really want to accomplish this year, if you haven’t already, and commit to your action items. Decide to use your personal power, applying the six components above to produce the results you want in your life. Commit to taking action and be willing to take risks. Have the courage to turn any fear you may have into power. Create an action plan and take the steps necessary to implement what is needed. Reach out to those that can assist you. You are capable of doing more than you think possible! If you don’t believe me, ask about our Breaking Barriers Board Breaking Seminar, our Step Into Your Power Arrow Breaking Goal Setting Seminar, or our Empowerment Firewalk Seminar – all experiential seminars where participants learn how powerful they truly are. And thus empowered , they achieve.

Continue evaluating throughout the year. Respond to feedback, staying curious and flexible. Learn from your results, as all experiences – good and not so good – are learning experiences. Adjust and continue. And celebrate when you achieve each and every action item you accomplish this year!

May this year bring abundance to you and your loved ones in all areas of life, especially health! And have fun throughout the process! 

Keep Your Soul Fire Burning! 

Karen Pfeffer
Karen is passionate about sharing powerful programs on communication, empowerment, team building and transformation. With a father from Kansas and a mother from Puerto Rico, Karen has a unique cultural mix that has inspired her to challenge stereotypes and “push the envelope” at every opportunity. She co-founded Fire Power Seminars with Connie Phelan in 2006 to empower individuals, organizations, and companies to achieve more than they ever thought possible.