What are your new year’s resolutions?  Actually, who cares?  New Year’s resolutions are a waste of time, and are fruitless.

How many times have you vowed to go to the gym everyday and get in shape, make more money, get out of a destructive relationship, or in a positive and loving one for that matter?  

New Year’s resolutions don’t work because they are hollow.  Sure people have the best of intentions, but they have no structured plan and no emotional drive behind their desires.  Worst of all they set themselves up to fail by setting ridiculous resolutions based on the pressure of the moment and fueled by alcohol.

The best approach would have been to already sit down and outlined exact results you want, why you want them, and a solid plan to go out and achieve.  If you haven’t done that make it an absolute must on your schedule and add the following 12 commitments for the New Year:

  1. Get up 1 hour earlier every day, and read something positive or that will improve your life
  2. Get some form of exercise every day, even if it’s just walk around the block and up and down the stairs at lunch time
  3. Sign up for a one seminar or class per quarter to engage your profession deeper
  4. Volunteer in your community a couple times throughout the year.  Your soul will thank you.
  5. Find 5 customers you’ve ticked off and make peace – bring them referrals and business.
  6. Commit to making 100 new contacts within the next 30 days or whatever number makes sense for your business
  7. Cut out the junk food during the week and put the right fuel in the tank, so you have the reserves to achieve your dreams. It’ll also help with that whole “I’m going to lose 10 pounds” goal.
  8. Have coffee or lunch every day with a different prospect.
  9. Finally start using LinkedIn the way you know you should be.  It’s an unbelievable business resource and tool.
  10. Post, read and visualize your goals at a minimum every week if not every day.
  11. Practice technology etiquette – stop texting when talking, stop taking calls during meetings, stop surfing online when you’re talking on the phone.  Simply put, pay attention and give your undivided attention.  So few do.
  12. And lastly, reward yourself for accomplishments.  Otherwise, what’s the point?

Resolutions are ridiculous, so don’t waste your time.  Commit to a real plan, and the 12 commitments listed here.  Your life will skyrocket.