How to "Do Better" This Year
By Christina Gillick

New Year’s resolutions. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, for many people resolutions are simply to “do better” …

“Be healthier” equals, “Do better when it comes to eating and exercising.”

“Get a raise” really means, “Do better at work.”

“Complain less” is basically the same as, “Think better thoughts.”

More often than not, a few months into the year, our desire to “do better” fades, and we’re back to slacking off on our exercise routines, work progress, or positive thinking.

How can we extend our desire to “do better” so we’re taking consistent action all year?

The answer is by setting goals.

Goals are different from New Year’s resolutions, because goals should be specific, actionable, realistic, and time-oriented.

You might be familiar with those “requirements,” but here’s an example:

Instead of saying, “This year I want to be a better writer” … (which is a desire) …

A goal would be, “Reach a monthly income of $5,000, as a successful writer, by the end of 2014.”

See the difference?

Here’s another one:

A desire would be, “This year I’m going to create a money-making website” …

A goal would be, “Set up a money-making website that’s generating $2,000 a month in passive income by December 31, 2014.”

Are you with me?

But, maybe you’re wondering … once you have a goal, how do you stick with it?

The answer lies in the goal-setting process …

Today’s Action Step: Read this article, “6 Steps to Being Unshakably Committed to Your Goals,” and set your long-term goals.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about whom your goals are for – and how your answer can help you meet those goals!

In the meantime, share your goals (or dreams) in the comments here.