By Rebecca Rodskog, Rodskog Change Consulting
It's June.  How are you doing on those New Year's resolutions?  Can't remember them?  Started on one but it petered out before you put away the holiday decorations?  You forgot where you wrote them down?  This is the fate of so many of our well-intentioned goals - even the ones that are truly aligned with our core values!  The thing is, just writing them out and wishing that they will come true, although a good first step, is only the beginning.  You must support yourself along your journey to success!  Yes, there's some pure "just do it" pieces of it.  But you can create a plan that is doable, fun, and that makes you happy along the way!

Last month, we talked about how to write your intentions and goals.  Starting with goals that are realistic, measurable, grounded in your core values, etc., will lay the foundation for your ability to succeed.  This month, I want to highlight the tools that will help you accomplish those goals:

5 Tools for Successful Growth:

1. Documentation:  It will do you no good to have a goal in your head.  Write it down.  Get specific.  Put a date on it and make it real.  Have someone mail it to you in 6 months and see how you're doing.  Whatever it takes, but get it on paper!

2. Visualization:  Where are those resolutions that you wrote down on New Year's Eve?  Very simply, you need a visual reminder of your goals in front of you every day - whether it be a list, a picture, a vision board, a photo, or a true visualization exercise.  Visualizing your goals daily will help you keep your "eye on the prize" and your intentions front of mind.

3. Vocalization:  Have you ever thought to yourself that you won't tell anyone that you're trying to lose weight because then if you don't, you won't have to explain why you're eating the cupcake you decided to have?  We hide our goals from our closest friends and relatives because we are afraid of "failing" them or disappointing them.  But by doing that, we are denying ourselves one of the most important tools in achieving our goals - support!!!  By telling the people who care about you what you want to work on, not only are you putting it "out there" (a big step), but you are allowing the people in your life to support, coach and encourage you.  Don't we all need that?!  

4. Measurement:  Make your goals measurable, because otherwise it's hard to tell when you've achieved them, or what you need to do to get there!  "Be fit" does not work.  "Be able to run a 5K" or "reduce my cholesterol" or "lose 5 pounds" works.  Then you know when you've reached your goal and you can.

5. Celebrate!!!  Woo hoo!!!  Give yourself a pat on the back for every little piece of progress you can!  Buy yourself something, go out to dinner, have friends over to celebrate, yell it on the mountain!  You worked hard, and you DESERVE to celebrate along the way.  Enjoy the journey!


Next Month:  Enjoying the Journey:  5 Tenets to Live By

Got a question for Rebecca? We'd love to hear from you!
Email: heather@thewellmom.com

Rebecca Rodskog is a NYC based personal life coach, change management consultant, actress and mom.  She has worked with corporations and individuals for over 15 years helping them grow through change in the workplace and at home.  For more information, check out www.rodskog.com