There is no better time to set a new agenda than in January, when visions of greatness are plentiful, hopes are high, and the energy of the new year ignites ideas that excite you in every area of life. But how do you make your resolutions into a reality? You can begin to close the gap between ideas and results with a written plan.
Have you ever tried crossing a stream? Even one solid rock between the banks can be enough to secure your footing and get you from one side to the other. A detailed, written plan is the rock midway between resolution and result.
The act of writing filters your ideas through a reality check. It solidifies your intentions and declares the plan to the universe and to yourself. It is the first of the three key milestones of forward movement: decision, belief, and action. Change made in this way becomes directed, structured, and doable.
It Takes a Decision
Change begins when you make the decision to pursue an idea. Writing ideas down not only helps you track them, but also forces you to evaluate and determine whether an idea is worthy of being declared a goal that you’ll commit to. Once you decide an idea is a keeper, write it down in detail and begin planning steps, even if you aren’t sure exactly how to accomplish what you want. Henriette Anne Klauser’s book, Write it Down, Make it Happen, explains how the brain reacts to writing down ideas and goals while providing amazing stories that depict the act of writing as a catalyst for change.
You Need to Believe You Can Do It
Believing you can do it is the next key milestone. In addition to writing down the plan, you must have some faith that you can achieve your goals. This doesn’t mean you need to feel 100 percent sure about what you are getting yourself into. If you are stretching yourself with your plan, it’s natural to feel some fear and discomfort, but you should also believe that it’s possible. It is a balancing act. If you do have some doubts, write down what it would take for you to believe in your success. Do you need training, support, or experience? Make a plan to get what you need so that your perception changes and you can be even more sure of your capabilities.
You Need To Take Action
Action is the third and determining factor in making your ideas a reality. You’ve made decisions about your goal and you believe in it, but to actually bring an idea to fruition, you need action. The first two milestones serve as a springboard from which to act. Action, however, does not come easily. Procrastination, resistance, and time limitations will present themselves in every form. Something will inevitably interfere with your plans at some point, delaying and discouraging you. That’s where your written strategies and tactics serve as your rock when you get lost. When times are hard, you can go back and review your goals and do what you said you’d do.
Whatever your resolutions for 2016, if you are serious about seeing results and change in your life, write your ideas down now, believe in them, and then act on them. Become the person you want to be.
