Or how this year will be different than every. other. year.
Does this scenario sound familiar? The New Year rolls around and you make resolutions, vowing this year will be different from the last. You pledge to hit performance goals to increase your pay scale and hit the gym to decrease the weight scale. In the beginning all goes well...for the first few days, at least. But then something happens (or rather, doesn’t happen) and you fall back into your normal, same-as-always routine.
This should sound familiar because it’s how most people go about making and breaking their New Year’s Resolutions (88% of people fail, according to one study). But what if I told you that this year could be different? This year you could take advantage of research and tools to really impact change in your work and life. You use Trello at work, but did you know it can also help you achieve your personal goals?
If you’re ready to make this year count, then read on.
Write Them Down.
Research shows that the first step in achieving goals is physically writing them down somewhere you can reference. By taking something ephemeral and making it something concrete, we take the first step in keeping ourselves accountable. Instead of writing your goals down on a post it note and losing it in a couple of days, take the digital route and add a Trello board. Depending on how big or small your resolutions are, your board could be all of your resolutions or just one (say, a fitness board). You can even choose a card cover that inspires you- kind of like putting those unflattering pictures on the refrigerator.
If you need to update your board on the go with progress, download the Trello app on your phone so your resolutions can burn a hole in your pocket.
Make A Concrete Plan
Goals are much more likely to be reached when there is a concrete plan involved. For example, “My business will double in revenue this year...” is not much without the execution portion, perhaps something like, “...by expanding our product line and distribution in the Midwest.” Make sure your goals have measurable, actionable check-in points right in your Trello board. You can even make a checklist to make sure you’re following all the steps in your plan.
Go further by setting due dates on cards as another way to keep yourself accountable.
Get Someone Involved
Humans stay on track by keeping others on track. Study after study shows that we are much more likely to bail on our own goals and disappoint ourselves, but we can change that equation by roping in a friend, coworker, or family member whom we don’t want to disappoint. This partnership benefits both people, as the support and encouragement of others helps everyone involved push forward and achieve goals.
If you and someone you know have similar resolutions, invite them to your Trello board. Have them add cards for their goals and plans, and then create a strategy. For example, if your goal is to learn how to code, sign up for a class together and track sessions with due dates. Or if you are trying to lose weight, keep a weekly record of your weight along with what you’ve done each week. Seeing the numbers and their fluctuation over time can be just the kick in the butt you need.
Set A Series of Smaller Goals, Rather Than One Large One
Goal setting works best when you don’t set outrageous goals. Sure, it is possible to achieve an outrageous goal. It just may take a few smaller ones along the way to motivate you and make you believe that your goal is actually attainable. Have your resolution buddy double check your goals on your Trello board to make sure they’re legit. Setting a series of smaller goals on a Trello list and then moving those cards over to a “Done” column will give you the satisfaction that you’re working towards. Add some stickers for that extra bit of satisfaction.
This is it! This is your time to decide whether 2017 is the year you make those changes in life that you’ve been wanting, or whether another new year will go by same old, same old. Let Trello be that best friend, coach, or mentor that enables you to stay accountable and make positive change.
Read more here about how to make resolutions and track them in Trello.
How are you using Trello to accomplish your goals this year? Tell us in the comments, or reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook.
Good or bad, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Find us on Twitter (@trello)!
