Each January, roughly one in three Americans resolve to better themselves in some way, but a much smaller percentage of people actually meet their resolutions. Studies have shown that about 75% of people stick to their goals for at least a week, 46% of people are still on target six months later, and only about 8% of people achieve their New Year’s Resolution.

The most common reason for people failing to achieve their New Year’s Resolutions was setting themselves too lofty, non explicit, and unrealistic goals (35%),  not keeping track of their progress (33%) and not having a plan in place to achieve their goals, so they give up or forget about them after a little while (23%).

Rather than make a New Year’s Resolution, I like to set goals for myself throughout the year and make a plan to achieve them. Once I have met my goal, I create a new one. This is always an ongoing process for me.  Without it, I feel like I would waste valuable time and effort in pursuits that lead nowhere. So I set goals, visualize myself accomplishing them, create a plan of attack, and then  implant positive thoughts into my subconscious. This all in turn, helps me to take the right actions to achieve my goals.

I believe that the practice of goal-setting is not just helpful; it is a prerequisite for happiness. Studies show that people who make consistent progress toward meaningful goals live happier and more satisfied lives than those who don’t.

Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of that future into reality. So start creating and achieving the life you love.  

This year, set an achievable goal, make a plan, and stick with it. Here’s to 2016!

Here are just a few of my own goals that I am working on:

• By 2017, I will open my own yoga studio!
• By 2018, I will run all 6 of the World’s Major Marathons (after London on 4/24/16, I’ll have Berlin and Tokyo left!)
• By 2019, I will tryout for American Ninja Warrior!