How to Achieve Your Goals in 2017

As we come to the end of 2016, it is that time of year when a number of people will be setting goals/resolutions for 2017.  If you are one of the 45% of Americans who will make New Year’s Resolutions this year, did you know that only 8% of Americans will complete their resolutions in 2017?  Whatever resolutions you set this year, be one of the 8% by following these simple rules of success.

Simple Rules of Success

1. Clearly set the goal/resolution that you want to achieve and be specific. For example, if you want to get more organized, be specific about what part of your life you want to organize first.
2. Understand what actions/steps you have to change to achieve your goal
3. Set small goals along the path to your larger goal to help you see that you are getting there. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, don’t focus on your goal weight but instead praise your small goals (i.e., dropping 5% of your initial weight, fitting into an old pair of jeans that have been hanging in your closet).  These small goals will continue to inspire you to meet your final goal.
4. Forgive yourself if you take a few steps back and don’t give up. There is not a race to the finish line.  Remember, this is your goal so you can set the pace.  If you take a few steps backwards instead of forwards, just start marching forward again and forgive the setback.
5. Stay focused and do not give up. You can achieve your goals regardless of your situation so never give up.
   • Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing my mother, Debra Ramey, finally achieve a goal that you set 47 years ago.  She graduated from Gadsden State with an associate degree in music.  You see, 47 years ago, she became pregnant with me and from that point on her goals/dreams revolved around me and my three siblings.  After we were grown and her grandchildren were self-sufficient, she decided to focus back on herself and go back to school to complete what she started so many years before in Virginia.  You see, my mother’s goal was always following her and she was constantly reminded that she didn’t finish.  I am extremely proud of my mother for achieving this dream of hers and showing my daughter and her other grandchildren and great-grandchildren that it is NEVER too late to follow your dreams and achieve your goals.   

As a bankruptcy attorney, one of the most enjoyable parts of my job is to call a client who has completed their chapter 13 bankruptcy to let them know they have finished their plan payments and are about to receive their bankruptcy discharge.  A chapter 13 bankruptcy requires discipline since the discharge is dependent upon the individual completing all plan payments.  What an achievement for these individuals and what a reward for me to be able to call them to let them know they did it.  They have achieved a financial goal of getting out of debt and you can too.

If you are struggling to make ends meet and want to get out of debt, contact your local Bond & Botes office today for a free consultation with one of our experienced bankruptcy attorneys.