01/05/2024
Create Successful New Year Resolutions (Goals)
Making New Year Resolutions is just one example of goal setting. Whether personal goals or organizational goals, just thinking about what you want or need to achieve is a step in the right direction.
Two detours that people tend to make before they even get started are: thinking about what they should do, rather than what they really want to do; and thinking about what they should stop doing, rather than what they want to achieve. Take the time to consider what it is you really want or need to accomplish.
1. Commit to Your Resolution or Goal.
2. Be Realistic.
3. Write It Down.
4. Make a Plan.
5. Be Flexible.
6. Use Reminders.
7. Track Progress.
8. Reward Yourself.
9. Commit to Your Resolution or Goal
Commit to Your Resolution or Goal
To succeed, you must believe that you can accomplish what you set out to achieve. So, choose resolutions that you really want to achieve, and make them positive. Don't leave your choice of resolution to the last minute. Take time to think about your goals. If you don't, you risk reacting to your current environment and missing the bigger picture. And remember, there's no reason why your resolution needs to take all year to achieve.
Be Realistic
The key to achieving goals is motivation. But you risk failing if you set the bar too high. Aim for something that is challenging, but that you have a good chance of accomplishing. Don’t the same resolution you set last year. If it didn't work then, you need to make changes to ensure it is achievable.
Write It Down
Put your resolution in writing. It's a simple but powerful technique for making your goal real. There is something inside us that responds with more commitment and drive when we take the time to do this.
Make a Plan
This is important, so don't miss this step! Start by envisioning where you want to be, then work back to where you are today. Write down the milestones you'll need to achieve in between and decide what you'll do to accomplish each of these milestones.
Be Flexible
Not everything will work out the way that you planned. The first minor obstacle can throw you off course, so remain flexible and adapt. Realize that your resolution itself might change along the way. That's not failure, it's reality. If you need to make changes to the goal so you continue to pursue it, do so.
Use Reminders
It can be hard to keep focused on your plan when ‘life happens’. Create a reminder system to stay on top of your resolution. Set up reminders of the things you need to accomplish to achieve your goals in your desktop calendar or somewhere you look daily.
Track Progress
Excitement around the little successes will keep you motivated and keep you pushing forwards. Discuss your progress with family, friends, or colleagues.
Reward Yourself
Even the most committed person needs a boost, and sometimes that is best accomplished through a little reward or treat! Make a note of some milestones where you will reward yourself once they are achieved.
Not really sure what you need to accomplish this year? Take a Walk. Inspection checklists and quality reports are critical tools to prevent injuries, record hazards for corrective action and keep your facilities looking their best. However, there comes a time when you need to put down your phone, leave your desk and walk the facility yourself. How long has it been since you went through your maintenance processes? Are you doing something because it’s the way that your organization has always done it or because it’s the most operationally efficient? Once you know what the issues are, you can make the goals to accomplish the necessary corrections and adjustments within your program or staff.
