New Year’s resolutions are a huge part of our culture, but how successful are they? When we look at the definition of resolution, it’s “a firm decision that attempts to do or not to do something, it is just a statement of intention without a plan to shape the course.” Forewarning: According to Psychology Today, 45% of Americans say they usually make New Year’s resolutions, yet less than 10% are successful. How can we keep momentum throughout the year and be part of that small group that achieves its goals? An alternate perspective would be to take that same essence of intentionality from resolutions and implement it in a new direction. I want to share alternative views on New Year’s Resolutions by giving you practical strategies to develop a successful plan that will leave you more fulfilled.
New Year’s Perspective! You choose when you want to start.
Eliminate the impulse that comes from “New Year’s Resolutions.” What if you were in control of “when” with starting a New Year’s Resolution instead of allowing a date to determine your “win.” Who said you had to start January 1st? When we choose the time to begin something new, that should be tailored to us. Deciding when to begin removes unnecessary stresses, fatigues, and burnout that diverts many from the goals at heart.
To effectively navigate our goals for the New Year, we have to take inventory of last year’s performance.
To have a solid direction to where you’re trying to go, we have to look back. The only time it is acceptable to look back is to see how far you have come! This fundamental quality is needed to implement your approach for outlining the direction for a successful year. Why? Looking back and taking a mental inventory of last year develops the outline of a functional strategy because it heightens the idea of intentional self-reflection. Intentional reflection loops back to learning to create further improvement, leading to mastery. Self-reflection acknowledges your wins, victories, triumphs, and successes. Taking the time to reflect on what transpired over this year takes what we learned and applies those lessons to other activities while envisioning the ideal use in 2023.
What will be your building blocks for next year’s goals?
Lastly, never underestimate the power of S.M.A.R.T Goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based). Effective planning is building upon the confidence of what you have created. Develop a list of your accomplishments and your discovered strengths from 2022. When we can see the progress, we can better understand how to attain realistic goals for the year. Our plans become more practical and obtainable when we can account for them through a measurable approach. Therefore, set your confidence towards what you would like to see come to pass based on the success and strengths that got you to where you are now. Then, place small incremental goals as the outline process; these will be the building blocks necessary for achieving your goals for 2023.
Today, I want to encourage you to recognize that everything you overcame this year was purposed to build your confidence to acquire more from 2023. Allow what was created this year to elevate you to the next level!