It’s New Year’s Eve, fireworks explode in the sky as Big Ben rings in 2019 – and I watch it all from the comfort of my sofa, wrapped in a blanket, cradling a glass of prosecco, wearing my favourite furry slipper-boots (naturally!). Before contemplating when I became ’that person’, my thoughts turned to the year ahead and the things I want to achieve.

My mental list consisted of, but was not limited to:

• Lose weight!
• Bake more (scratch that!) Learn to bake
• Be more confident
• Run a marathon, park run, more!
• Learn Italian
• Quest for a better work-life balance

I’m immediately reminded of lists from previous years and realise… order aside, there is no real difference. Like many people, I make resolutions each year and don’t follow through. Like you (perhaps!), I make all the excuses – too busy with work/home life… that chocolate was just sitting there and not eating it would be such a waste!

Dilemma: if I never stick to my New Year’s resolutions, why bother making them?

Simple answer: I want to do better. I want to be better.

The definition of insanity (according to our favourite internet search engine) is repeating the same thing over and over while expecting different results. Well, not this year people! I have, in an Inception-esque way, set a resolution to keep my resolutions. How hard can it be? After all, resolutions are just goals and, rather helpfully, I work with a team who are experts in just that – Goal-Setting-Gurus, if you will.

Calling on my GSG’s (catchy isn’t it!), they first pointed me to Graham Allcott (Founder of think productive and author of ‘How to be a Productivity Ninja’)

[symple_callout fade_in=”false” button_text=”Book your place” button_url=”https://staffspace.canterbury.ac.uk/ce0226li_ess/ess/#/summary/careerdev/activity;s=ninja;d=;ed=;a=T” button_color=”black” button_size=”default” button_border_radius=”3px” button_target=”self” button_rel=”” button_icon_left=”” button_icon_right=””] The Productivity Ninjas are coming to CCCU on 28th Jan & 5th Feb 2019! [/symple_callout]

[symple_heading style=”” title=”5-Steps to Goal-Setting Success” type=”h1″ font_size=”” text_align=”left” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”30″ color=”#d81e05″ icon_left=”” icon_right=””]

My GSG’s collective wizardry gave me what I am (unimaginatively) calling my ‘5-Steps to Goal-Setting Success’ and, because I am ever so nice I will pass these on to you…

[symple_toggle title=”Step 1: Keep it short” state=”closed”]A long list feels overwhelming. Limit it to 3 things.[/symple_toggle]

[symple_toggle title=”Step 2: Keep it real” state=”closed”]An unrealistic goal is self-limiting, so make goals achievable![/symple_toggle]

[symple_toggle title=”Step 3: Keep a plan” state=”closed”]Set a timeframe of ‘how’ and ‘when’ I am going to do this – then check it to stay on target.[/symple_toggle]

[symple_toggle title=”Step 4: Keep it visible” state=”closed”]I don’t want to ‘forget’ my goals. So my plan needs to be where I can see it regularly.[/symple_toggle]

[symple_toggle title=”Step 5: Keep it fun” state=”closed”]I don’t want this to become a chore – keeping it fun will keep me motivated.[/symple_toggle]

[symple_skillbar title=”Loading 2019…” percentage=”10″ color=”#d81e05″ show_percent=”true”]

I head into 2019 armed with my resolutions and all the good intentions, but this time I have my steps, the wondrous GSGs and epic Productivity Ninjas.

“So, what are your three goals for this year?”

– I hear you all shout? Keeping with the Inception theme, I’ll leave my cliff-hanger here…so check-in next year to see if I kept my resolution of keeping my resolutions, of keeping my resolutions, of keeping my resolutions…