Well, here we are at the top of the slope. What kind of year are you in for? What will a snapshot of your life look like 365 days from now?
The answers to those questons, as you know, depend largely upon what you put in motion today. But before we get to the goals, let’s address the big problem.
The Big Problem:
- Most resolutions last about _______. (…feel free to fill in the blank.)
Maybe you’re one of the rare ones who actually ace every resolution, every year.
But for most of us, the post-holiday routine returns and pulls us ever so gently back toward last years orbit. Before we know it, we’ve reengaged old habits, dropped the nice new ones, and have become far too comfortable to break free.
Not this year.
This is a year for breakthroughs, and you can make them happen with the following 3 tips:
Take a Snapshot. Take a mental snapshot of your ‘future self’ with the exact results you want, and ‘laser’ it onto your brain. You do this by visualizing that snapshot as many times a day as you can.
Make sure your goals are yours. In other words, don’t adopt a single goal from anyone else’s list (including the one below!) without first identifying some solid personal reasons why you need it. The results you’re reaching for must excite you.
Avoid vague goals, like:
- “Spend More Time With Family”
- “Enjoy Life More”
Goals like those are noble but are, at best, difficult to track — and at worst, a waste of ink.
Instead, strike down to specifics:
- “Spend More Time With Family” becomes: “Family Night Once a Week, No Exceptions”
- “Enjoy Life More” becomes: “New Adventure Once a Month, (e.g., paintballing, performance driving school…).”
Keep it trackable, specific and exciting. Most of all, constantly visualize the results you’re going to gain.
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Here are the Top 8 Resolutions we’re recommending for you at WhataManKnows:
1. Benchpress 1.5 Times Your Weight.
A little more clear-cut than a fuzzy “Get in Shape” resolution, no? In fact, there are 10 minimum levels a man should reach* before he goes around calling himself “fit.” If you’re not there yet, can you imagine how you’ll look, once you are?
Mental Snapshot Idea: You, pictured at your favorite place in the world, with your favorite people in the world, in the best shape you’ve ever been in.
*Check with your doctor first!
2. Own a Business.
Warning. Highly-opinionated (but completely correct) declaration ahead:
- Leading an extraordinary life requires maximum control of your time. A job just won’t cut it, no matter the paycheck.
Time is not money. Time is life. Take full control of your life this year. If you don’t own a business, it’s time to fix that.
Mental Snapshot Idea: The look on your face, at the precise moment you check your accounts and discover that you no longer need your day job.
3. Develop Your Best Talent.
(…you know, the one you’ve been putting off: playing guitar*, customizing choppers, playing tournament-level pool…).
- Talent unused is a waste; unshared, a tragedy.
Don’t be selfish. If you’re good at something… really good at something, take what you’ve got and develop it to within an inch of its life.
Do you know how many people, these days, could use a little extra joy in their lives from experiencing whatever talent you possess? Reveal it. It’s one of the reasons you’re here.
Mental Snapshot Idea: You with a happy and amazed crowd, truly enjoying the anomaly that is you.
*real guitar, not Hero!
4. Learn Public Speaking.
You’ve heard the stats: public speaking has been found to be the #1 fear of most people, followed by #2: death, and #3: spiders.
…and what does a man do with an irrational fear?
Run right at it, of course!
- Staring directly into the abyss of public speech on a regular basis is one of the most valuable things you will ever do for your social skills and business life.
Join a local speakers association* (e.g., Toastmasters), and watch how much easier all other communication becomes for you.
Mental Snapshot Idea: You, well-dressed, comfortable and confident, engaging a group of people who respect you.
*acting or improv-comedy classes are great for this, too.
5. Nail Down Your Daily Routine
Core daily habits seperate the good from the great. Lay the foundation for an extaordinary year with the WhataManKnows 10 Things Every Man Should Do, Every Day guide. It’s free (at the moment).
Mental Snapshot Idea: You, conducting your daily business with the poise and self-assurance that comes from knowing you’re thoroughly prepared and on top of your game, whatever that game may be.
6. Get Away From Home 3 Times This Year
If you already like to travel, this resolution isn’t for you (you may easily best this goal by a factor of 10 this year).
No, this one is for those of us for whom travel does not carry a natural appeal.
Why should you bother? Because there’s just no education quite like it. Saint Augustine said it best:
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
Mental Snapshot Idea: A wiser you, in a far away place, acknowledging the camera with a winning smile and an amazing woman hugging your neck.
7. Volunteer ______ Times This Year
People often think of it as charity. As it turns out, volunteerism is usually more of an exchange, the volunteers often benefiting most of all. Lock in a solid number of outings for yourself this year, then follow through.
Mental Snapshot Idea: You, in a group photo of participants, having fun and feeling great about the difference you’re making.
8. Cut Down Overused Expressions.
Some common violations: “umm,” “uhh,” “you know,” “like,” “whatever,” “just sayin…’”
Mental Snapshot Idea: Me, putting away the gun I was about to shoot myself with had I heard just one more “whatevs” *ahem* ok: You, now a member of parliament, addressing the chamber with the eloquent, whiskerless words for which you’ve become renowned throughout the lannnd…
…maybe a tiny bit dramatic there, but you understand the point: make your goals specific and exciting to you — and keep them alive with mental photos.
Stay consistent this year, and chase down the results you want like a vicious hound.
Get Up!
Finally, always get back on the horse. Understand that there may be moments this year when you look up and realize it’s been two months since you made the weekly call to your Nana (or some other resolution you’ve slacked on).
Don’t give up! Get up… whistle for that mare (the horse, not Nana!), and hop back in the saddle!
In all seriousness… make this year an extraordinary, landmark year. Make today a turning point that you’ll look back on and say, ‘that’s when it ‘clicked’ — that’s when it all came together for me.’
About the Author: ST is Editor of WhataManKnows. Get more from ST on Twitter.
