We want to help you make this #TheBestYearEver so read on if that sounds good to you!
Did your New Year’s resolutions make it to the end of January? It’s estimated that 68% of people make at least one New Year resolution – with 90% of them broken by the end of the month. What most people don’t know, but you’re about to find out, is that success is in the planning.
If you’ve made – and even broken – your New Year’s resolution, take this moment to recommit with our three strategies for making your goals your reality.
1. Get yourself a mentor
If you don’t already have a trustworthy adult in your life you can turn to for support and advice, a trusted mentor will provide both. Even if your family is engaged and supportive there may be times when you need to look elsewhere for special advice that can help you achieve your goals.
What can a mentor do for you?
- Encourage you
- Provide valuable advice
- Assistance with problem solving
- Develop the habits you need for success
- Help you avoid unnecessary mistakes
- Show you tried and tested short cuts
- Introduce you to other people who can help you
- Keep you moving forward during the tough times
- Strengthen your self-confidence
Mentors can come from any area of your life: a trusted teacher, a coach or maybe a family friend. If you’re looking for a professional guide, pick someone who’s already achieved what you want. You’ll find that specialists are often happy to share their wisdom with you – but only if you ask them!
Important: Please use common sense and keep yourself safe when contacting anyone beyond your usual support circle. Always inform your parent or career about what you’re doing before you ever arrange to meet anyone.
2. Create a timetable
The key to keeping on track is planning. There isn’t a successful person out there who doesn’t use a diary, planner, wall chart or another time management technique that keeps them focused on the daily tasks that will help them succeed. It doesn’t matter what your goals are, a planner will help you get there – on time!
Planning basics:
- Make sure your plan has a realistic time frame. Too many people overestimate whey they can do in a week but underestimate what they can accomplish over a year.
- Keep a task list and cross off your to-do items as you complete them. Prioritize the task that will give you the most progress. It feels really good to know you’ve taken another step forwards and you’ll also be less likely to forget important details.
- If you can’t stick to your schedule because something comes up or gets in the way, move the important tasks to the next day. If you find yourself doing this on a regular basis it may mean your timetable is too time constraining or unrealistic. In which case simply re-write the chart to suit your circumstances. Don’t abandon it!
- Remember that personal time for fun and relaxation is important, so schedule time to exercise and see your friends.
Creating a plan is only a guide – you still need to follow through and take action on every day. It’s said that it takes three weeks to make or break a habit so try it for a while and see if it transforms your progress and achievement.
3. Find the resources you need
If you have an idea or a direction you want to follow, don’t sit back and expect someone else to make it happen for you. That’s not how the world works. Receiving help is great help when it’s offered, it’s childish to think other people will go out of their way to make your dreams come true for you. The onus is on you to go out there and find the resources you need.
Where to start your resources search:
- Schools and colleges are already geared to helping students find the information they need. This makes them the best place to begin your search.
- Research your goals online – find the books you need to read, videos you need to watch, podcasts you need to listen to, the equipment you’ll need, find proven success strategies, identify people you need to follow online and the contact details of experts who might be able to help you succeed. (As always, keep yourself safe and let a trusted adult know what you’re doing).
- Look locally for support through your library. These valuable community hubs often have lists for sources of funding and other support you might find useful.
Once you start looking you’ll be amazed at how much help is our there for people who are ready to pursue their dreams and make this #TheBestYearEver!
What goals are you currently pursuing? And what advice would you give to teenagers who ant to achieve more? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.