Mid March is the time of year that people begin dropping those New Year resolutions. Get a new job. Lose weight. Be more organized. You name it, most people start to lose motivation at about this time. When I used to be a gym rat, I couldn't wait til "those people" finally went back to their lives and quit hogging the machines at the gym. But why is it that people start the year with such hope and conviction that this year will be the year they will (fill in the blanks) and then fail three months later.
I spoke with Beverly Flaxton, author of Understanding Other People: The Five Secrets to Human Behavior http://www.understandingotherpeople.com/ about why people fall off the resolution wagon. She told me that that she's identified 5 steps people need to take beyond the resolution in order to achieve their . goals. Here they are:
1. Be really specific on the resolution. Not just "I want to lose 10 pounds." But more specific. I don't like the way I look. I don't like how my clothes fit. What will losing 10 pounds cause? New clothes? Less stress in the morning when getting dressed for work? Write it down.
2. Highlight the obstacles. What's standing in the way. Is it more expensive to get the lower calorie food? Is it hard to eat lo cal food on a hectic schedule? Is it hard to get to the gym with work and kids? Identify what can hold you back. You can't be sucessful unless you know the hurdles you will face. Identifying the obstacle before they happen helps you overcome them.
3. Human factor. How much do I care about getting a new job? Do I fear leaving my comfortable job where I know everyone and have friends. I may not like my boss, but I like the hours, could a new job mess that up? Recognize these issues and deal with them.
4. Alternatives. Beverly mentioned how someone she worked with needed to exercise, but couldn't afford a gym. She figured out a solution by using the Wii program already in her house. Beverley said most people just immediately feel they need to go to a gym to get into shape, but they overlook other alternatives. Is it the job or the boss? Maybe its just your boss making you crazy, maybe you look at transferring within the company?
5. Plan. Really put some effort into the resolution. Not just - yeah I want a new job this year. Do your homework and figure out why exactly you want this goal.
Beverly said she sees lots of motivation and commitment, but if people put this extra effort into those resolutions, then they will be more successful. Mid March won't become the time of year that people drop all those grand plans if they dig a little deeper before they start.
Sadly for the gym rats, those members may stick around longer.
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