By this point, New Year’s resolutions are out of the Window anyway

Ahoy! As we sail further into the year, you might be hearing the phrase, “By this point, New Year’s resolutions are out the Window anyway.” Just last week, I found myself face-to-face with this salty sea dog of a saying.
I was grabbing my coffee at my work cafeteria, intent on having a healthy breakfast, but then the blueberry pancakes lured me off course! (You can already see, this is a true story).
My mouth started watering. Unable to resist, I walked towards the pancakes, confessing to the cook that they were a culinary Bermuda Triangle – irresistible and impossible to navigate around. After all, remember Rule #6: Don’t take yourself too seriously! He promptly agreed, and as I walked away with a full plate of pancakes in my hand, he called out, “By this point, New Year’s resolutions are out of the window anyway!”
As I enjoyed my pancakes, his words lingered. Was he right? Was it really too late to achieve my goals for this year? Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed every bite, but I couldn’t help reflecting on his words.
At Das Potenzial, we say, “Absolutely not!”
We believe that every moment offers a fresh opportunity to set sail towards our aspirations. We also believe in the “Getting More” philosophy: It’s not about winning, but about getting closer to our goals! So let’s break down those big, hairy goals into smaller, more achievable milestones. This strategy is a game-changer:
- Keep Moving Forward: Think of it like a treasure map. Each milestone is a step closer to the buried gold. You build momentum and stay on track, always knowing your next move.
- Stay Pumped: Every small win is a reason to celebrate! It’s like finding a hidden cove on your journey – a chance to recharge and get excited for the next leg of the adventure.
- Roll with the Waves: Smaller goals are easier to adjust when life throws you a curveball. You can tack and change course without losing sight of your destination.
From “No Way” to “Aye Aye, Captain!”
Speaking of getting back on track, let me tell you about a client I met recently. He wanted to achieve financial independence but felt like that this was an impossible journey to undertake.
So I started the coaching, “Could you save $50k by the end of the year?” He looked at me like I’d just told him the Oktoberfest was canceled. But since I knew where I wanted to go with this, I moved on and asked him, “How about $10,000 a month?” His eyes flickered with hope. “Not impossible, but it won’t be easy.”
Then I hit him with my secret sauce (which I’m sharing with you here!): “How about $333 a day?” A big smile spread across his face like the morning sun over the ocean’s horizon. “Yes, definitely possible!”
Do you see this? We went from a hard “No” to a very confident “Yes” simply by breaking down a seemingly impossible goal into manageable daily actions. Want more? Read: Three strategies used in Executive Coaching!
Let’s draw this out for more clarity:
Primary Goal: Creating more independency
How: Saving $50K within 5 Months
Is this goal possible?
Yes! Awesome! Do it!
No? Break the goal into smaller goals
First goal breakdown:
Is saving $10K / months ($50k / 5 months) possible?
Client’s answer: Not impossible, but it won’t be easy.
Second goal breakdown:
Even smaller goal: Is saving $333 / day ($50k / 5 months / 30 days) possible?
Client’s answer: Yes, definitely possible!”
Chart Your Own Course
As leaders, we know the importance of setting ambitious goals. But we also know that life can be unpredictable, throwing unexpected storms our way. So, how do we stay afloat and reach our destinations regardless of what storm we get in?
Frequent Resets:
Instead of waiting for a new year, treat each day as a fresh start. Take time to reassess your goals, realign your priorities, and adjust your course as needed. Benefit: Greater flexibility and responsiveness to changing circumstances.
Write Your “A” Story:
Remember that exercise where you imagine you’ve already achieved your goal? Write a letter to yourself from the future, detailing the steps you took to get there. Benefit: The “Letter A” concept is a powerful way to visualize success and stay motivated.
Find Your Crew:
Partner with a mentor, coach, or trusted friend who can be your first mate on this journey. They’ll help you stay the course, offer encouragement, and celebrate your victories with you. Benefit: You are not alone on this journey and have an accountability partner!
The Adventure Starts Now
Both of these stories highlight the power of reframing our goals and adopting a “Getting More” mindset. By focusing on small, consistent actions, we build momentum, gain confidence, and get closer and closer to where we want to go.
So, if you’re ready to make the most of this year – whether it’s boosting your confidence levels, strengthening your leadership team, living a more fulfilling life or wanting to sail around the world – don’t wait!
Let Das Potenzial be your accountability partner on either of these steps. We’ll help you chart a course to success that’s unique and only yours. Remember, it’s never too late to set sail towards your dreams.
Let’s explore how Das Potenzial can support your journey. Reach out today!
One Comment
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September 19, 2024 at 7:46 pm
JOHN
I love how you addressed this issue. Very insightful!