Happy New Year!

Here in Northern Wisconsin it is zero degrees and the snow is blowing sideways through the pines; it is a great way start the new year.

New Year’s Day is a time people are always thinking about personal development and New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately most people will give up and never achieve their New Year’s resolutions. I think part of the reason is that they jump right to the goal setting, but don’t know how to support the actions needed to carry out these goals.

In my book Animal Leadership: Leadership Lessons Learned from Wildlife for Leading Yourself and Others, I show people how to become the leader of their own life and achieve their dreams. The key is you first MUST become determined. None of this “I’ll try” stuff. You need to decide to DO, or not do! I call it being determined like the bear.

Next, you need to go in your head and think about what it will feel like to have achieved your dream, your goal. This is your why and motivation. You need to become the person who has what you want. I call this step getting excited like the wolf.

It is time to plan like the eagle. Now we can actually “set” the goal. Make your goal or goals specific and attainable. You can set many small goals to get to your dream so develop one that will be the first step of your journey. You can build on this.

With your plan, persist like a horse, taking one step at a time as you move down the path to your dreams. Remember that everything that comes your way is part of the path and you are moving closer to your desired result every step of the way. Like the mighty horse you may need to have great endurance, but remember the journey may be as good as the final result.

I hope these tips help you make 2011 your year!

In the comment section below, let me know what your New Year’s resolution and biggest challenges are.