What does success take?

Happy New Year!

What does success take? The New Year is here and many people are driven to make some kind of change in their lives. Oftentimes it is a physical change - time to drop those extra 10 lbs so they are driven to move more and eat right, could be a healthy habit goal of drinking half of their bodyweight in ounces every day, sometimes it's an educational goal like learning a new language, or to read 1 book/month to work that brain over a bit, or, maybe it's even a fun challenge like hiking in 5 state parks over the summer or for every day you walk 10,000 steps you earn miles towards a vacation.

We all know the stats, a whopping 80% (or more depending on your source) of people do not complete their New Year's resolutions - wow! If you have a tendency to not see your commitment through -don't feel too bad, most people will join you in the 'fail' category. But wait, that's NOT where you want to be!

But WHY? Why does all this this happen? Many people set unrealistic goals (like lose 5 pounds a week and expect to keep it off ), most don't have a clearly defined goal with a plan of attack (like you want to read a book a month, but it's already the 20th and you haven't started yet vs. reading 15 pages a day). Some just really aren't ready to put the work in - you know, 'all talk and no action' (like to learn a new language without actually practicing - fingers crossed for some kind of osmosis process here).

And in reality, for most people it's just easier to keep doing things they way you're doing them. It might be easier, but is it better? I've worked with hundreds of people over the years in online coaching, in-person coaching, challenge groups I've run, and in teaching, and

these are some of the characteristics of those who I've seen succeed:

*They have a clear outcome (an end goal) and a plan with precise steps to get there - no plan for 'chance' to dictate their outcome. They are in charge. Their action makes it happen, their inaction simply means it won't happen. THEIR choices.

*They don't give up...no matter what. Even in the face of discouragement, failure, lack of motivation, time, lack of support, inability to notice change, or whatever obstacle may come in their way.

*They take failure and learn from it. Failure is a chance to grow, not an excuse to give up. How do YOU look at failure in your life?

*They have a deep source of motivation - a burning desire. There is a driving force that really moves them - maybe a medical diagnosis, perhaps a connection with the right person that inspires them - what is your source of motivation?

*Enough is enough, and they are ready to change. They are tired of not living up to a quality of life that they, and their family, deserve.

*They have support, it isn't a one man/woman show. The rate of success climbs when they surround themselves with likeminded people, they have a coach to be accountable to, a weekly meeting to attend, an exercise partner, or a goal partner that they call each week to evaluate progress. AND they eliminate as much as possible the people who do not support them.

Are you a talker, a dreamer, a doer, or a success story? You'll be whatever you make yourself to be. Happy 2020!

All the best to you in this new decade - !

Best,

Brianne <3