By: Joel Cochran

It’s that time of the year where we look to turn a new leaf, change an old habit or just simply be a better version of ourselves. Chances are that you already have a New Year’s resolution in mind and you’re ready to hit the ground with the wheels running! But here is the biggest problem that you will face, you are most likely going to fail.

Now before you get offended and click out of this blog, hear me out. In a recent study published by the University of Scranton, it shows that only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Statistics have also shown that most people will give up on their resolution before the end of February.   So, with the numbers stacked against us, what should we do?

The answer is simple, get away from resolutions! Yes, you heard me right, if you want to be successful in 2018 don’t set a resolution just because it’s the start of a new year. Instead, focus on creating a theme.

What is the difference between a theme and a goal? A theme is something that will encompass your day to day interactions throughout the year instead of one specific goal that after being accomplished is then obsolete. Still not sure what I mean? Let me give you an example:

Goal: To lose 15 lbs. by Summer to fit into my bikini.

Theme: Health and Wellness

In the first example we have a very specific and measurable goal of losing 15 lbs. by Summer. This, by all means, is a great goal but what happens when you lose those 15 lbs. say by Spring Time? Do you create a new goal or do you lose focus and end up gaining those 15 lbs. back before Summer even arrives?

In declaring a theme of 2018 being about health and wellness you make a choice to live by that theme daily. You set small goals throughout the year that revolve around becoming a healthier and better you which establishes a habit that can carry with you beyond 2018 and into the rest of your life.

How do you get started picking a theme? Consider something in your life that you have lost focus of, or something that you have always wanted to accomplish but was too afraid to start. Whatever it might be, think about how an overall theme of becoming better in it will help to benefit your life and those around you.

After you have established your theme, sit down with a notebook and write at the top “My theme for 2018 is…” Underneath your title start writing down any goals, ideas or thoughts that will help support that theme. Try allowing yourself to write freely without over analyzing whether it is something you can or can’t do in 2018.

Next, share it with someone that you know and love. By declaring it with someone who is close to you, they can be your support and encourage you throughout the year to stay focused on your theme. Accountability is the key to success.

Lastly, check in each month with your notebook and see where you’re at. This will be a living document throughout the year that you can add too, take away or even keep it the same. Remember, you are declaring a change for yourself that will not happen overnight but will take an entire year to create a habit that will last.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to create a new you!