Determined to make the most of 2022? VAUSA® recommends to our clients and assistants three common-sense strategies for accomplishing goals in the new year—or whenever you choose to create them. Let’s go!
1. Plan With Intention.
The old adage “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” remains a useful guide. Experts suggest writing down major goals and then listing specific actions needed to achieve them. This approach not only brings goals into clear focus but also helps to identify and prepare for future obstacles. Need a few tips on planning with intention? Here are some tools we’ve used and found to be effective:
- Get it all together. The New York Times bestseller The 12 Week Year, by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington, is an excellent and quick read. The book’s tagline says it all: “Get more done in 12 weeks than others do in 12 months!”
- Keep it organized. For fans of digital planners, the VAUSA® team has found Google Calendar to be a very powerful tool. Google Calendar is free and allows users to manage tasks, create events, and share their calendars with others.
- Learn to say “No.” In their book Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life, clinical psychologists Henry Cloud and John Townsend offer solutions on how to set clear boundaries and live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Additionally, a VAUSA® virtual assistant can help you maintain your work and personal boundaries using a variety of tools and techniques.
- Know Your Strengths. At VAUSA® we use Everything DiSC® assessments to improve collaboration between team members. Curious? Contact us to find out how we use this tool to build leadership skills and transform interpersonal relationships.
2. Find Community.
Establishing accountability is a key component for translating great ideas into action. Share your plan with friends, family, and even co-workers. Studies have shown that surrounding yourself with like-minded goal setters increases your chances of success. We operate as a team at VAUSA® and find tremendous strength through the support of our peers. Looking for ways to support your team?
- This year we have been blessed by the addition of Tracy Burns, a Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA) chaplain. Corporate Chaplains provide care in the workplace by combining corporate experience with professional chaplaincy training. They can provide support in challenging situations such as relationship difficulties, major life changes, or any situation you choose to share.
3. Stay Positive.
The purpose of creating New Year’s resolutions is to focus on personal development. When a plan of action falls short, consider it an opportunity to reassess rather than a failure. Our favorite tips to remain positive include:
- Reading the Bible and spending time with God.
- Surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people. Who you allow in your circle directly impacts your ability to reach goals.
- Start slow and measure your progress along the way. If it’s not measured, it can’t be improved. To track wellness and fitness progress our team members use wearable fit trackers and smartphones. We highly recommend this method of tracking!
- Physical well-being is the foundation for any goal. Incorporate movement and healthy eating into your daily routine to feel your best.
- Promote well-being in your life by practicing gratitude. Gratitude for all accomplishments large and small provides an incentive for making incremental, positive changes. Daily gratitude journals are readily available or you can track what you’re grateful for in an app.
When setting out to accomplish goals and modify behavior remember that the process is more of a marathon than a race. Planning with intention, finding community, and staying positive will help maintain motivation when you want to give up.
THE VAUSA TEAM | CONTACT US
