New Year, Same Old You? 4 Ways to Get Back on Track

It’s officially been one month since we swore off all our bad habits, pledged we would start fresh and exclaimed that it was the beginning of a “new me.” The changing year indicates a blank slate, and an opportunity to create a new behavior to meet a particular goal or desired result.

I’m not much of a gambler, but if I had to hedge my bets, I think it is safe to assume that most of us have fallen off the resolution bandwagon. And, if my own resolution failures don’t already display a disheartening truth, research shows that only 9.2 percent of people feel they were successful in achieving their stated promise.

However, let’s aim at reversing that statistic. 2017 is still a blank slate, and there is plenty of time to get back on track.

As an HR professional, I know too well that New Year goals within organizations slip through the cracks just as quickly as they get started. Whether the hope is to implement a new recognition program, improve organizational efficiencies or bring on new employee benefits, the rush of projects at the start of January can set these proactive objectives to the back burner.

Here are 4 tips to get back on track and achieve those resolutions:

1. Set a realistic goal: Instead of focusing on a perceived weakness or aiming for a goal you know is not achievable within a reasonable amount of time, aim to re-focus on an area (or areas) that can be improved or enhanced without going over budget or throwing the entire team off track.
2. Create a strategy: Be proactive by setting a timeline to outline the steps it will take and deliverable needed to achieve the goal. Keep it detailed and make sure to check off action items as they are completed – the more items crossed off the list, the closer you will be to your goal.
3. Include team members to stay accountable: Two heads are better than one. Bring on other members of the team who can help you brainstorm, meet deadlines and, most importantly, keep you accountable and on task.
4. Set a deadline (and a reward): Having a deadline not only makes the goal real, but also gives you and your team an opportunity to celebrate a job well done. Once you reach your goal, celebrate with a team dinner or outing to mark the moment.

Follow these action steps and stay positive. If you do, I know we will all be on the path to declaring “New Year, New Me!”  Get started today with Corporate Rewards and Incentives!