Every year beginning January 1st, floods of people with dreams of getting in shape fill gyms to their capacity. Suddenly, going to the gym becomes unbearable as you suddenly have to wait in line for machines and fight for a space in the locker room.

However, usually after about two weeks, things return to normal as people become caught up in their daily lives and leave their new year’s resolutions behind.

Although this anecdote is just one example of new year’s resolutions fading away, it seems to be a common trend that when it comes new year’s resolutions, they just don’t stick!

What is it about New Year’s Resolutions that makes them so hard to achieve??

As I’ve been brainstorming my own personal and professional goals for 2011, I’ve been reading a blog series by Darren Hardy called “Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life.” For those of you who don’t know of him, Darren Hardy is pretty much the king of personal and professional development.

One thing Darren points out in the beginning of the blog series really struck me: establish clear goals.

Seems like a no-brainer, right?

In PR, we tell our clients all the time that they need to define success and establish specific and measurable goals before we start breaking down into a tactical plan; i.e. What does success look like? What are your PR goals for next quarter/year?

So, why aren’t we doing the same for ourselves?

Sure, we tell our friends our grand plans for the new year; “Oh, I’m gonna lose weight,” “I want to cut down on caffeine” and “I’m going to start that savings account.” This year, try the following approach to your new year’s resolutions:

• Define two or three measurable goals. While “I want to lose weight” and “I would like more money” are good goals, they aren’t specific and measurable. Think more “I want to increase my income by $20,000″ and “I want to lose 30 pounds.”
• Define one or two long-term big goals. What’s the big picture? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? By figuring that out now, you’ll help to get yourself there tomorrow!
• Write your goals down. Research has proven time and time again that those who write down clearly defined goals are exponentially more likely to achieve their goals.
• Start an inspiration board. Post pictures of that big house you want to buy or a picture of six-pack abs. Put your goals in the middle of these pictures.

Tell us below in the comments about your New Year’s Resolutions. Do you have PR/career goals for 2011? What about your personal goals?

Photo credit: Deviled Megs