Realistic Planning is the Key to Success

By Deborah O’Connor

How do you leave behind the mistakes and not-so-good experiences of last year and vow to make the New Year better, productive, and worthwhile? Why is it so hard to keep resolutions? Here are some suggestions to get you on your way.

Start by making a list of all the great things you accomplished last year. Did you get a great new job? A promotion? Did you make a positive difference in someone’s life? Make a list of the things you did not accomplish this past year but wish you had. Take a look at what you have left. Are these still important goals? If they are so important why didn’t you accomplish them? If they are not that important anymore, take them off the list. You need a structured plan to be remotely successful. Here are some guidelines to help you.

• Don’t pick unrealistic and vague goals. For example, you may say I want to lose weight, the most-made resolution. This is way too vague. A better way is to have a plan. I want to lose 15-20 pounds by summer and I am going to adopt a food plan. I will get a personal trainer two times a week, and I am going to run three times a week. This is specific, this is goal-oriented, and this could really work.
• I want to get a raise at work. Very vague, and without a plan it may not work.  A better way is to set the goal of receiving a raise this coming year. I will have a plan and part of it is dressing better and looking and acting more professional. I will improve my table manners and manners in general, I will study to learn anything new that is necessary, and I will find out the qualifications I need and work towards them. Of course, hiring Successful Image to help you accomplish this is a great idea!)
• I want to stay in closer touch with my family. Most of us say that, but it usually goes by the wayside. Here is a plan: Make a list of those you want to stay in touch with. Put down their birthdays, anniversaries, and any pertinent information you may need. Then put the days you want to contact them by mail, email, or phone on your calendar. When it comes up on your daily calendar, i.e., mail birthday card, call to wish Happy Anniversary, etc, there is a higher probability that you will do it. This gives you a much better chance of following through.
• I want to manage my finances more successfully. Easily said, rarely done. Learn the principals of positive cash flow and savings. Sit down by yourself or with your significant other and develop a plan making sure you do not spend more than you make. Then set up a savings plan. Even if it is only $50 a month, it starts you out in the right direction. Once you get used to saving, you will get excited abut adding more savings instead of that extra Starbucks.

By adopting the “make a plan” strategy, you have a greater chance of success in any area. Good luck and Happy New Year to one and all!

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.

She will answer them in her weekly column.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz