We are a few days into 2016 and most of us have already broken those New Year’s resolutions we made with such hope and resolve. Resolutions don’t work because change is hard. That’s why most of us never keep our resolutions. Our resolutions are vague, shallow, or focused on too many things. It’s what someone else tells us we should do or maybe it’s the popular wisdom of the moment.

We struggle because it’s not what we really want; we want the things that are bad for us. The bad things are always easiest. The fact is, you can’t change by thinking; you change by creating practices or systems that support what you want. Instead, pick one thing you want in your life and are challenged to change. Now, pick one word that describes that change. This one word is the lens through which you view your life. Use your word daily to change your systems and practices.

• How will my life be different if I do this one thing?
• What kind of person do I want to be by the end of this year?
• Describe the characteristics of that person and create new systems that support them.

Getting started is a roadblock for most of us. I use a simple three step system as my framework for change:

PLAN IT ➡︎ DO IT ➡︎ REACH IT

Plan It.

Change is never easy. It’s hard and takes time. Is the result you want more important than what’s holding you back? If you said yes, start by setting aside some time to reflect on the things that are important to you in your personal life, in your work life, in your community. What one area feels out of balance or not quite right? For me, it’s my business. As an entrepreneur, I find myself constantly challenged and often spread myself too thin or get lost in details when I should be focused on strategy. My word for 2016 is “FOCUS.” This word represents what I need to do every day to support my business strategy.

Do It.

I need focus for my business to thrive and grow. I help my clients learn and grow their businesses and this is mostly through products and programs that require focus to change how they hire people. I need focus to stay on track writing a book, my blog, training materials, newsletters, how-to guides, and more. I have a big poster above my desk that says, “FOCUS,” my screensaver on my laptop and smartphone is FOCUS, and I have scheduled time to focus on these things in my calendar. These reminders are everywhere and are my daily accountability check. At the end of the day, if I haven’t been focused, I have not been effective. This gives me my motivation because I love feeling like I’ve accomplished something. Who doesn’t love to succeed?

Reach It.

At the end of 2016, how will you know you’ve successfully changed your practices or systems? Build in a way to measure your success. For me, I will have my book published. My blog will be fresh and updated and my clients will have exactly what they need to hire the right people.

IT’S YOUR TURN NOW.

What’s your word? I’d love to know your word and how you will be different at the end of 2016. Leave me a comment!

Need some help getting started? I’m here to help; schedule a complimentary session with me today.