I was enjoying a latte at my favourite local café when I overheard the lady next me to say, “Can you believe that it’s almost Christmas?” Her friend agreed on how fast time has passed because of another busy year and with a big sigh she said, “I just want this year to be over!”

I’m not sure about you, but I feel like this is the comment of the month?

There is no denying that life can feel hectic and testing at times, but imagine being able to reflect on a fulfilling year of happy memories, exciting experiences, personal/professional growth and overcoming setbacks instead of wondering, “What have I done with my time?”

Is It A Matter Of Luck?

I’ve been told that I’ve been lucky with the way my life has worked out with my family, friends, career, health and lifestyle. I agree that “luck” had a part to play when it comes to uncontrollable factors, in my case – my loving, supportive family and being brought up in a country of opportunity, which I am always grateful for.

Everything else that I am happy for is no coincidence.

I learned that it requires a certain outlook, making choices, and applying principles from a formula to get what you want out of life.

Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

What do you want for the new year? Have the past few years worked out the way you had intended? If it hasn’t, and you want gratifying results from your resolutions, then you must accept this simple fact:

Something has to change.

Change can feel uncomfortable because it implies doing something out of our comfort zones. But is it more uncomfortable than repeating another year feeling as if you’re just surviving instead of thriving?

Albert Einstein said it best: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Doing Something Different: The 3×3 Formula

1. Decide

How do we get a sense of fulfillment if we are muddled about what we actually want? Be specific about your goals. This provides clear direction for the steps required in being successful.

Therefore, the first principle of the success formula is to decide what matters to you most. Is it to be more confident? To have more time with loved ones? To be promoted at work? To buy that new car? To learn how to play the guitar? To become fit? To climb Machu Picchu?

Ask yourself why these goals matter to you to ensure that they’re aligned with what truly makes you happy.

Personally, I like to keep my big goals to three for the year. This is because too many at once can feel overwhelming, which tends to lead to self-doubt and then procrastination.

1. What do I want to be?
2. What do I want to have?
3. What do I want to experience?

2. Plan

Have an organised plan to generate a sense of surety that your dream is achievable. The confidence from having clarity around the steps will inspire you to continue moving forward.

If it’s not scheduled into your calendar, it will not get done.

Again, I would recommend breaking down the goals into smaller steps in your schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed and as if you’re underachieving.

1. What is your goal for the year?
2. What do you need to do monthly to accomplish this goal?
3. What do you need to do weekly?

3. Execute

The last ingredient of the success formula is the one most people struggle with, (generally because they lacked foundation from ingredients 1 and 2) and it’s the one that actually counts – DOING it.

Three key principles to drive action depends on the following:

1. Measurable outcomes – Establish the criteria required for progression towards your goal.
2. Accountability – Hold yourself accountable with a checklist and share your goals with others.
3. Acknowledge – Celebrate each win no matter how big or small because the exhilaration of achievement will motivate you to continue reaching your goal.

Do you want to know one more little secret to be successful? Don’t just fall for getting what you want in life, but fall in love with all the little moments too. You only get one shot at life, and hopefully, with the help of the formula, you can go and live your BEST life!

For more secrets on success, click here to enrol in the transformative 7-week online course, ‘7 Steps To Overcome Fear and Win At Life’ today!