New Year's Resolutions: Slaying Your Goals

12/30/2022

Are you planning to make any resolutions for the upcoming new year?

I know, I know…I hear a lot of people answer that question with “I don’t believe in them” or “naw, what for, I’ll only fail”. Well, for one, that’s a ̶s̶h̶i̶t̶t̶y̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶i̶t̶u̶d̶e̶ horrible mindset to have and B, I think we might have a slight misunderstanding on just what a “resolution” actually is—and that’s really no fault of our own. It’s been ingrained in us to think of resolutions almost as “wishes”: (I wish I could) lose weight. (I wish I could) save money. (I wish I could) meet someone special. However, if we change our ethos towards “resolutions” and consider them as they are actually defined--decisions, intents, aims and plans--the success rate (and attitude toward) making resolutions would change dramatically!

image of new year's resolutions written on post-it notes

New Year's Resolutions: Slaying Your Goals

Goals and accomplishments should be akin with resolutions. After all, one SHOULD be resolute in their goals. Should be…but not always. According to Forbes, 40% of Americans make new year’s resolutions each year, but only 8% are successful. Why on earth would so many fail at improving themselves? Just my opinion, but I believe it's because many have set the bar too high and aim for unreasonable expectations. A goal could be as simple as finally making that doctor's appointment you've been putting off. Or cleaning out the basement. Or rearranging the liquor pantry--see where I'm going with this?

Has it been ages since you had your teeth cleaned or eyes examined? Are you due to have your vehicle inspected? Could you use a physical or a wellness visit? You should make a firm decision to accomplish those tasks this year, especially if “STOP F&CK^NG PROCRASTINATING” is high on your list of things to do.

So here's a thought: Why don’t you pick up a handy planner, journal or organizer and title your first page “My Goals For The New Year”. Then jot down the things you’d like to check off your to-do list this year.

Actually, journaling and planning is really a fun, relaxing and creative activity in and of itself. Why not grab some washi tape, stickers and gel pens in purdy colors and really have at it? You may find you enjoy it, and it could turn out to be a whole new hobby for you!

23 Pg. Sticker Set for Journaling & Planning, amazon.com

21 Pc. Washi Tape Set, amazon.com

To give you a few ideas of what's on my to-do list, here are some of the (less personal) “resolutions” going into my planner this year:

Open (and fund) an IRA
Contribute monthly to my 401K
Workout 2-3x per week
Conquer clutter in my apartment

Be more sociable / spend more time with friends
Continue my writing, growing my blog and expanding my businesses
Take a REAL vacation (I haven’t had one in years!)

And bickety bam! Just like that: a list of New Year’s Resolutions. I mean goals...yeah, goals.

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Image of a woman holding a cell phone and writing in a planner

If making to-do lists and planning really isn’t your thing, how about just working toward one, singular goal?

A 2018 Marist Poll found "being a better person" is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. I think this is wonderful and a huge win for humanity! And let’s be honest: Being a better person isn’t all that difficult, is it? Think about what you can do to help others: Donate old clothes and household goods, buy the person behind you their morning coffee, make it a point to say please and thank you. Or go the extra mile and volunteer in a soup kitchen, dog shelter or old folks’ home. These are feel good “tasks” that not only benefit someone less fortunate, but it will also increase your own sense of self!

If you DO want to set typical new year’s resolutions for yourself, by all means, go for it! Just bear in mind you need to stay focused and motivated, because you are really working toward an accomplishment. For example...

image of a scale, measuring tape and an apple

If you want to lose weight, instead of resolving to go on a diet, how about changing your eating habits? Small changes like eliminating soft drinks and eating more roughage are more attainable and will definitely set you on the right path to better health.

If you want to exercise more, instead of resolving to join a gym and probably never going (COUGHmeCOUGH), consider taking a 20-30 minute walk a couple times of week and gradually add resistance bands or hand weights to your fitness routine.

Remember, little changes can = big results.

And if for some reason you don't meet all your goals this new year, don’t sweat it. Another year is just around the corner. As Winston Churchill once said, ““Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.

Animated gif of Winston Churchill wearing sunglasses

That Churchill's one baadddd mutha-shut yo' mouth!

What goals are you looking to accomplish in the new year? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear all about them!

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