How many resolutions are actually kept? I found that 50% of resolutions are broken within the first two weeks and by the end of January a full 95% of resolutions are abandoned. Only 5% of New Years resolutions are kept beyond January. The majority of resolutions fail due to:

 1. Procrastination 

2. Lack of discipline

3. No game plan

4. Doing it alone

5. Fear

The majority of resolutions fail because only a small percentage of people with resolutions ever do something about it. Whatever your goals are for New Year 2012, put them into action because action creates results.

Let me help with some tips I have learnt. You don’t have to follow all of them, although you should, and don’t let the number 5 listed failure be the number one cause of your undoing.

1. Schedule a Meeting to Map Your Way 

You wouldn’t drive anywhere without knowing the way, why would you feel any different for something as important as you. Ask yourself an important question like, “Where do I want to be, one year from now?” And write down your response. This will give you a clear indication on the direction you need to go.

2. Have a Daily Planning System

We know from above it would be just plain wrong to drive somewhere without knowing the way. It’s just as important to know why you’re going there. Writing down your goals will effectively prove their worth to you, and give you the reason to start driving toward them.

3. Define Your Key Results

Key results provide an indication of your progress toward your goals. These will be milestones or signs that you’re heading in the right direction. It’s important to determine your key results and write them down, so you know you’re on track.

4. Take Action

Action creates results. Now is the time to take everything you know about your desired goals, and prioritise your activities to achieve results. You can do this by selecting the most productive actions to reach your key results.  Remember to write these down so you have a concise roadmap to succeed.

5. Separate Reality From Perception

See the reality of the situation for what it is. Be rational and get clear on the facts. Soul search and explore your perception of the situation at hand.

6. Identify The Trigger

Isolate the specific aspects of the situation that trigger your fearful thoughts. What’s the worst that could happen? Change the way you look at these triggers and you will immediately change the way you react.

7. Know Where Fear Lives In Your Body

Be in tune with where your fear lives in your body. Use it as an indicator to tell you when something needs to be addressed. What you are aware of you can act on.

8. Become An Observer

When you observe something, you do it from a detached place. So if you become an observer of your fear, then youíre not in it and reacting instinctively.

9. Listen To Your Inner Talk

Monitor your inner conversations. When you hear negative self-talk, stop and change the script to positive talk. Keep repeating it.

10. Create A New Association

When you feel fear, conjure up a picture of something or someone you love. Keep repeating this and soon your brain will associate your fear trigger with something much more pleasurable.

11. Consider The Worst

Imagine the worst that can happen and come up with strategies that avoid or lessen the likelihood of it happening. What can you put in place to ensure that the worst-case scenario never happens?

12. Look At The Glass Half Full

Perception is a very powerful thing. And how you feel about your situation dictates how you respond. So think positively and you’ll give yourself a much better chance of success.

13. Learn How To Create Space

Because fear happens in the emotional part of the brain, it’s natural to act instinctively. So when fear rises, break the fear cycle by stopping, creating space and breathing. This will give you time to calm down and allow your rational brain time to catch up.

14. Make It Safe

When you feel safe, there is no need for fear. One of the best ways to overcome fear is to create the safest environment possible. And that’s why it’s important to practice, practice and practice again.

15. Give Yourself a Reward

If you’ve followed the above for any length of time you’re bound to be making accomplishments. Rewarding yourself will motivate you to further reach your goals. You can now appreciate the fact that you are one of the motivated 5% who made it! Pat yourself on the back – you deserve it.

Once you’ve experienced the power of this kind of goal setting, it will be hard to do it any other way. But don’t delay; take the time right now to define your goals for 2012.