NEW YEAR AND NEW GOALS

Next week we will turn the calendar page and enter into a New Year. Now, with every New Year comes the opportunity to re-create ourselves and set new goals.

For most of my adult life I have taken inventory of myself and what I am accomplishing when we come to a new year. Some things that I planned last year at this time have worked out very well, while other goals did not pan out as well as I would have liked.

But, no matter if I succeeded or failed I always sit down and write out what I want to accomplish in the new year. My goals are usually divided into three categories, personal, professional, and political (public service). Without setting goals we all would find ourselves drifting through the year and never knowing if we are achieving our best.

Here is some advice that I would share with anyone seeking to make the year 2008 the best it can be. Of course you may have your own plan and your way of creating success for the new year, but these have always worked for me.

One, be specific about what you want to accomplish in the major areas of your life. Whether it is losing a certain amount of weight, which I set every year, or how much money you want to save, it is important to write down specific goals. Now, we may not meet the goal, but without a goal we would never strive for something.

Two, create a plan for the new year. What is it you want to achieve this coming year? Once that is decided then write out a plan of attack that you can follow throughout the year. The plan does not have to be overly detailed, but it should have timelines that allow you to see progress.

Three, be realistic. This is the biggest area that will defeat and discourage us in goal setting. Goals must have some “common sense” attached to them if the goals are going to be met. The biggest New Year resolution our society makes each year is losing weight and getting in shape. Many like me who are middle aged wrongly set goals to get back that body we had when we were in our 20’s or 30’s. As football player Peyton Manning says in his funny commercials, unless you’re a major league football player, it probably is not going to happen….he adds, just buy bigger shirts.

Being realistic means striving to better your health and attain a weight that makes you feel comfortable. Trust me I will never get the 28 inch waist I had 30 years ago when I got out of the U.S. Navy.

Four, allow room for failure. I have spoken to some highly successful people in my days and all of them say the same thing, make room for failure. Every person that has entered public service has most likely lost a few elections before winning. I know this feeling way too well. Before getting elected this past November I had to feel the pain of losing twice in Enfield.

Failure is simply evidence that you are endeavoring to accomplish something. People, who never try something, will never feel the pain of failure, but they will also never experience the joy of success. I admire so many of our local leaders, both Republican and Democrat. Every one of them could tell stories of defeat and victory. But, I am sure they have no regrets for attempting to make a difference in the world they live in.
Five, find a support system that aids in you achieving your goals. If it is getting in better physical shape in the new year, then maybe partner with people who have the same goal. I have always found that goal setting requires accountability. If you have a major adjustment you want to make in your life, find someone that can become a “personal coach” to keep you on track.

If it is financial success you want, then talk to a credible financial counselor. Want to learn a language, then take a class offered in our Adult Education Program. Want to get in shape, then a personal trainer may be your best bet.

I know people who want to read more, but find their reading agenda for the year fades away in just a few months. Then join a book club.
You get the idea. Goals need attachment to accountability if they are going to succeed. So set your goals for 2008, create a plan, and seek partnerships with others striving for the same goals.

Happy New Year from all of us in the Stokes Family……