If you’ve read my bio (which I’m sure you have), you know that being the Chief Comfort Officer means my job is to boost the spirits of the Carson Group team with my joyful nature and all-around tail-wagging positivity. But, in my 35 years on this planet (5 human years), I’ve realized something very important about those of you who walk upright. My revelation is this: Sometimes, the best way to support a friend is by hitting them with the cold, hard truth.
So, today I am doing just that. I present to you the truth (bolded and capitalized for extra emphasis, of course):
8 PERCENT
What does 8 percent mean? Well, 8 percent can mean a lot of things. For instance, according to recent data 8 percent of cats snore1 (yet another reason to invest in a dog…just refrain from looking up what percentage of dogs snore) and 8 percent of dogs are named after a pop culture reference2 (could I be named after the famous rapper?). On a personal level, 8 percent of my time is spent getting belly rubs, but I digress.
Pay close attention to this next one: Only 8 percent of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions3. Yes, that’s right, of the millions of humans worldwide who vow to change and improve each year, only a fraction of those actually reach the goals they’ve set. I’m not a trained mathematician (I am a dog, after all), but I’m pretty sure 8 percent is a failing grade (at least by obedience-school standards).
I wouldn’t be a true friend if I left you alone to ruminate on this disheartening statistic, wondering how you might be lucky enough to be among the accomplished few. No, that’s just not my style. As a faithful companion, adorable buddy and four-legged life coach, I am here to tell you luck has nothing to do with it. You are capable of amazing success in 2018. To prove it, I’m giving you my 6 Most and Vital 1 for New Year’s resolutions.
The 6 Most
- Make Your Goals Visible
It’s easy to set an intention in your mind, and even easier to forget that intention when life’s inevitable distractions get in the way (like squirrels and tennis balls). Writing down and posting your goals make them present in your everyday life. My dad is so passionate about this that he has his goals laminated in his shower. Don’t believe me? Watch the #Ronsense. (Hmmm…that reminds me, why is there no #Ronsense about me?)
- Get an Accountability Partner
While I’m generally quick to suggest one of my own kind, I think a fellow homo sapien might be a better fit for an accountability partner (only because they can speak your language). Whether trying to lose weight (not me, I have a very girlish figure) or raise NNT (net new treats), it’s ideal to have another person by your side, encouraging and challenging you. If you need a good recommendation, I know some great coaches.
- Start Small
At risk of channeling a cheesy inspirational poster, remember a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You can’t expect to go from doing zero marketing at your firm to suddenly blogging weekly, managing four social media sites and hosting an educational event once every two months (I’m considering napping just thinking about how exhausting that would be). Give yourself a break! Make smaller, more realistic milestones to get you to the finish line.
- Ensure You Have SMAC Certified Goals
Each year, I embark (get it, emBARK) on a mission to be THE BEST DOG EVER. But, what I’ve come to find is that this aim is fruitless if I don’t make it SMAC Certified (Specific, Measurable, Attainable and Compatible). In other words, I’m doomed to fail without some actual parameters. Thus, along with you, I’m making 2018 resolutions a lot more detailed. This year, I’m NOT striving to be the best dog ever, rather I’m looking to cultivate my likability by increasing the number of pets I get by 10%.
- If It’s Not Broken, Break It
My dad likes to say this a lot (almost as much as he says “Sit”). While I’m not an expert business owner like him, I think what he is trying to say is sometimes the biggest impediment to growth is relying on what you’ve always done. It’s okay to shake things up once in a while (as long as you aren’t a sopping wet dog) and try new things. Embrace the disruption and/or become a disruptor in your own life/practice.
- Track Your Progress
I know you’re awesome, but do you know you are awesome? A great way to keep motivated is to recap where you came from and where you’re going. If you continue to see momentum, you’ll be more likely to stick to your resolutions, particularly in those summer months when the beach (or dog park) is calling. Should you get off track, forgive yourself and adjust.
My Vital One – Have Fun
Little known fact: Fun is my middle name. Okay, it’s actually Marie, but for the purpose of this specific blog I’m Nelly Fun Carson.
My point is you should choose resolutions or goals or whatever you want to call them that make you want to get out of bed in the morning. Not every objective you have is going to be as exciting as finding a scrap of food on the floor (hey, for me that’s exciting), but you can make them more enjoyable by incorporating some fun. Plan rewards along the way, take time to celebrate and, most of all, don’t exclude your team members, clients and family.
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Now that you’ve read my tips to make 2018 your best year yet, you should check out another article I found incredibly interesting. I may be biased, but the six most and vital one on this list ring true to my experience. Until next time, happy goal setting (and achieving)!
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