The hype of ushering in a new year is already behind us. Yet in those first few days after the strike of midnight on 1 January high on the promise of a fresh start, there’s a flurry of media discussion (and no doubt some personal angst) about setting New Year’s Resolutions. And it’s reported that common in our grand plans is the desire to eat more healthily, exercise more, save money, change jobs and so it goes.

I happened upon a statistic reporting that nearly 80% of people admitted to abandoning their New Year’s resolutions by February (according to Forbes). Not a glowing success story.

I love a grand plan as much as anyone; however I am learning (still a work in progress) that if I want to stay the distance and achieve my goal/s – I have to start small and keep it simple.

I have to avoid the distraction of too many things, as it can become overwhelming, so I break it down into a simple task or action that is doable. For me it’s identifying that one small thing or action to kickstart the change I want to achieve and set myself up for success.

For example, my work is mostly sedentary and I know I need to be more active so it might be as simple as a target to walk 30 minutes one day a week – doable and realistic in my life’s context – I like being outside, I can walk alone or with a friend, at a time that suits me, and I have 7 days to choose from. That’s a minimum. Each time I walk I mark it on the calendar so my achievement is clearly visible. If I choose to walk an additional day in a week, I have exceeded my target. YAY ME! Building on my success, I am on my way to developing a ‘good’ habit.

You never know, I might get hooked on walking and set an end of financial year resolution to walk a minimum of three days a week.

If you are someone who needs more direct accountability, you might opt for attending one fitness class a week.

Find your focus and what works for you in your life’s context – if you have a few false starts don’t beat up on yourself – refocus your actions and start again. Adapt as you need. Keep it simple.

The keep it simple principle works in most aspects of our lives including the desire for a job or career change. Before you act on impulse and tell the boss ‘I quit’, take the time to reflect, develop a plan for success (with timeframes), and identify and action the small steps that will achieve your bigger goal.

New Year’s Resolutions – start small and keep it simple.