Human beings like fresh starts, unblemished linens, clean slates, another chance. But do you realize that this does not wipe away the years that have passed, the unmet resolutions and the regrets you want to cover up.

How then do we avoid the new year resolutions craze? I like it when someone tells me they do not have new year resolutions but are keeping up with their earlier set goals. This explains why companies have long term goals the so called five-year strategic plan.

As employees and owners of organizations we go through the trouble of taking time off to brainstorm on these strategies. We check in to the best hotels in serene environments to refresh our thinking and enhance our creativity. Every end of year we sit back and evaluate the progress, we celebrate our achievements and jeer the non-performers. We then embark on the next goals to achieve the company’s long term plan.

Are we not the same individuals who run these organizations’ goals with zeal? checking our performance against targets every other month. Why then don’t we chase our dreams with the same zeal? What can we borrow from these organization’s culture to efficiently manage our personal aspirations?

1.   Define your long term aspirations – when you took that holiday in December did you take a moment to visualize your next 5 years? This was the best time to set your long term goals and document them.
2.   Break down those aspirations – What do you want to achieve in the next 12 months? Is it in relation to your long term plan?
3.   Performance management – Be your own boss. Check your progress against target monthly and quarterly. Make adjustments where necessary, get help where need be, equip yourself appropriately. Cheer yourself on.
4.   Performance appraisal – Do your evaluation at the end of the year and pay yourself accordingly. Give yourself a bonus; a holiday, shopping or a pay cut; no holiday, no shopping. Evaluate the unmet goals reintegrate them in the next year’s plan according to your long term goals. Stay aligned to your long term strategy.

Now you know, next time people are getting excited about the clean slate offered by the new year as they set Resolutions; Celebrate the progress you have made the previous year, refer to your 5-year plan and keep moving.