Be a better you this year!

Happy New Year!  If you are like most people, this is a time when you are most likely to set goals. Hit the gym and get in shape, eat better, budget wiser, give particular attention to your area of work and career, and yes have good relationships, enjoy life and live a better more fulfilled life.

There is no better time to get started and set realistic goals like now. Have you succeeded on any goal that you had committed to in the past? If you have, congratulations, if you have not, it is not too late. 

First, evaluate and be truthful to yourself on the reasons why it did not work. Acknowledging failure of achieving previously set goals will help you plan better for this year’s goals.

IMPRESSIVE GOALS

Taking responsibility and setting meaningful, achievable and realistic goals, is a good thing. Setting a goal is one thing but what matters most is not how impressive they are but how we pursue them, our diligence and commitment to them, our motive in setting them and following through daily, weekly and monthly,. 

Make it a habit to work on your goals, to have a clearly articulated plan and an accountability partner as discussed in this column last week.

As you make a fresh start and begin a journey of becoming a better you this year, here are a few ideas;

Reflect and evaluate; It is always helpful to be clear on what has worked well and what has not, which areas in your life need particular attention, especially in the area of relationships.  Many times we look at others as the reason to our unhappy, and blame them for the failures experienced all around. 

LESSONS

Everything that happens in life brings with it some lessons. When we learn from yesterday’s mistakes and purpose to make today better, it is a choice that will help you succeed.

Ignoring the lessons will not help you work towards success. The only one holding you from achieving your dreams is you.

Take responsibility; Stephen Covey, the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families says responsibility is the “ability to choose our response”. We don’t have to respond to others in the same way we have always done. Have the responses brought about success.

Have your responses brought value in the relationship in the past or do they make things worse? You have a choice in your response and actions and this will affect the quality of the relationship. It may take some practice but it is well worth it in the end. Practice mutual respect, attentive listening and be in charge of what happens to you. No matter what, do not let other’s take away what is most important — your energy, creativity and zeal to work towards your goals.

Accountability matters; One of the most common struggles in relationships is the struggle to be accountable. People have a truly hard time acknowledging their mistakes without defending or rationalizing.  As you can imagine, many relationships are in ruins because of refusing to take responsibility in relationships.

Many times people give away their rights and simply consider themselves ‘voiceless’. They think they have no choice and the issue is out of their control. Everyone is an individual regardless of the relationship that you are into and you will be accountable to your maker alone! In 2014 you have the power to be the best you can be.

Simply choose to be!

The writer is a Relationship Coach and Author,

Marriage Built to Last You can reach her on; www.jenniekarina.co.ke