A New Year’s resolution is a commitment someone makes towards one or more personal goals to break bad habits and/or complete projects. As we approach a new year, many of us have begun the task of creating these resolutions. We start out with so much zeal and gusto until the warm and fuzzy feelings wear off. The reality of losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, and saving money begin to take their toll on the “idea” of living a better life. Did you know the average person gives up on their resolution by the end of February?
Statistics show among American adults:
- 40-45% make one or more resolutions each year
- 30% make the same resolutions each year
- 75% continue their resolution(s) past the first week
- 64% continue their resolution(s) after one month
- 46% continue their resolution(s) after six months
- 12% achieve their goals
- 88% set goals and fail
Just because we take time to make a resolution does not mean that we will see it manifest in our lives. We have to work and sometimes fight to reach or goals. Making a resolution is not enough. We need a plan and we have to work the plan through to completion. The good news is reaching your goals can be accomplished. How? I am glad you asked. Below are tips to assist with actually resolving your New Year’s resolution. Grab a pen and paper and let’s get started.
I. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why have I set this particular resolution?
- What do I hope to gain or leave behind once I reach this goal?
- Am I ready and willing to commit to this goal no matter how hard or frustrating things may seem?
- Am I mentally prepared for the goals I have set?
Be honest with yourself. The only way you can go where you want to go is to know where you are starting.
II. Divide your resolutions into categories.
- Physical
- Spiritual
- Financial
- Relational (family, friends)
- Educational
- Personal
Whatever you want to see changed in your life, place them in a category.
III. Set Milestone dates.
Now it is time to take some action. For example, if your resolution is to lose weight and you begin your journey on January 1st, you can set your milestone to be, “I will lose 13 pounds by March 31st.” This is equal to one pound per week for 13 weeks. Setting milestone dates will keep you on track and focused on your journey.
IV. Reward yourself.
Remember how it felt to get a gold star on school work or a pat on the back for someone you admire when you did a good job? Take that same principle and apply it to your goals. Take time to treat yourself. As long as your treat does not derail you from your goals, it is ok to reward yourself with a pedicure (or whatever brings you joy) every now and then.
V. Make yourself accountable.
Having support from others helps with reaching goals. Share your goals with someone trustworthy and allow them to encourage (and sometimes push) you along the way. Remember iron sharpens iron.
Finally, DON’T QUIT! Most likely the resolutions you set are not things that will magically happen overnight no matter how much we would like this to happen.
See yourself succeeding! Take the challenge. Ready…Set…LIVE!
