The New Year is usually the time where people are making all kinds of resolutions. It's a tradition. It's also a tradition to abort the attempt around the 2nd week of January, once we are getting wrapped up in all our daily hassles. Personally, I don't believe in setting myself up for failure, that's why I think about all the things that I want to change and I put intentions behind it.
Make resolutions when it matters
Resolutions and goals shouldn't be set based on a date, but on a need. If you feel that you are overweight, try to eat healthier immediately (even if it's March) but make adjustments in moderation. Most humans are not wired to make drastic changes, so essentially if we make drastic changes, very often we are setting ourselves up for failure. Especially in sales, we are usually stressed and putting additional pressure on ourselves will only lead to more stress.
What happens when we set ourselves up for failure?
We feel like losers and it will take a long time until we attempt another try. Usually, it's another New Year's resolution the following year.
Why is it important to manage expectations with ourselves?
Because we should manage expectations every single step of the way. Whether it's with our children, with our clients, with our prospects or our friends. We should never over-promise or under-deliver. It not only harms our reputation and our relationships, it is bad for the way we feel about ourselves. It eats away at our self esteem and once that happens it will influence or performance.
It's really hard to run a successful business or to succeed in sales when we feel that we have let other people and/or ourselves down.
My intent for this year is to balance my life even more. To stay healthy, spend more time outdoors and to stay connected with my friends and family.
Put an action plan behind your intentions
Staying healthy and spending more time outdoors along with staying connected with my friends may sound like lofty goals, so I need to put action steps behind them. I plan on walking my dog twice a day, rather than once. I plan to research foods that I eat even more and to eat out less. AND, I plan to meet a friend for lunch or dinner once a week.
Don't punish yourself
I will reward myself with a special treat (such as buying a new pair of earrings or a massage, should I stay somehow on track (don't be too judgmental with yourself). This is another incentive to take care of myself. I promise myself that I won't feel bad if I fall off the wagon, so to speak. Because, it's easy to get back on if you are gentle with yourself.