I've always thought that New Year's resolutions were a crock.
Don't get me wrong, it's lovely to set a goal for yourself and to strive to complete it. But to start it just because a page turns over on the calendar, after a month of feeling like you've done very little except for over-indulging, it's not the best idea.
My proudest goal that I set and achieved this year was entering National Novel Writing Month. I wrote the first draft to the Being Human sequel - Invisibles - in the month of November: 31 days, 50,000 + words. I wrote every day just to show myself I could do it. I posted my daily word counts on Facebook so that other people could push me. Just knowing that other people knew of my goal put the pressure on for me to achieve it.
Here are some ways to help achieve your goal:
Make a plan of HOW you're going to do it. Write it down.
If it's a cumulative goal (ie. a marathon), figure out ways of breaking it down into little bits so it doesn't feel so overwhelming.
Tell people about it. The more people who know, the more peer pressure will drive you to complete it! If you can, find someone who is striving for the same or a similar goal.
Reward the progress, not just at the end. Treat yourself! Be proud of how far you've come!
Be willing to rethink your plan. Maybe you'll realize you were shooting a bit high. Don't feel like you're failing if you readjust the parameters.
Have fun with it! Whether you're changing your attitude, setting a personal physical or mental goal, developing your professional life, make sure you can enjoy the journey!