As the old year has come to an end and the new year is now upon us many of us, as in years past, will make new year’s resolutions that will be long forgotten by the first of February, if not sooner.
I would suggest that if you want to see your resolution through, it’s best to make a goal you think you can keep realistically. Think of setting SMART goals. Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Bound.
In addition, regardless of whether your resolution is losing weight, finding a new job starting your own business or whatever, I recommend you rely on (four) bones.
The first is a Wishbone. Well before chicken tenders and boneless wings, my siblings and I would fight over that oddly shaped forked chicken bone that, according to ancient romans was a symbol of luck. When snapped apart evenly by two people while making a wish both would have their wishes come true. Like a child, never stop believing that with your dreams and aspirations, combined with strategic goals, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.
The second is a Funny Bone. Remember life is no dress rehearsal you are going to have ups and downs. The key is to not take it personal. When you don’t take yourself so seriously you’ll find that humor offers a new perspective on a situation. Any psychologist will tell you that humor leads to laughter, and laughter is healthy. Laughter is a natural stress reliever.
Next, you won’t achieve any level of success without a Backbone. Synonymous with fortitude, a strong backbone will give you the ability to encounter adversity with courage. It will provide you with the fearlessness to speak truth to power. It will hold you up in the face of rejection and a host of hardships you will encountered. And it will give you the strength to endure during times of uncertainty and despair.
The final bone is the Tailbone. No success is achievable unless you get up off your tailbone and just do it. You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to at least start if you want to be great.
So, whatever your new year’s resolution may be, set SMART goals, add these four bones and see the results.
