First, let me be perfectly honest. I have no willpower. That being said, I rarely make New Year’s resolutions because I cannot keep them. But maybe 2018 will be different . . .
How many times will you be asked within the next week about your New Year’s resolutions? Do you answer by saying you’re going to join a gym, quit smoking, be nicer to your family, or volunteer more? You know that the gym will be super-crowded in January, but by February 1st, you should be able to get on the perfectly-located treadmill whenever you choose. It’s not rocket science, it’s human nature.
According to Forbes Magazine (www.Forbes.com), more than 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions (that’s 7% more than Americans who watch the Super Bowl, in case you were wondering). Yet, research by the University of Scranton allows that only 8% of us actually succeed in achieving these goals.
Well, at least I’m in the 92nd percentile.
So, in an effort to improve my odds, I began thinking about how to keep my own New Year’s resolutions. First, I decided to keep them simple. That means world peace won’t be on my list this time. Instead, I’m going to resolve to sweep out my garage at least quarterly. (Aha! Now I have until March 31st to succeed!) Second, I’m going to make a specific resolution. I’m not just going to resolve to do more yoga, I’m going to resolve to do 20 minutes of yoga five days a week. Third, I’m going to be accountable about my resolutions, which is why I’m sharing them here. I suggest you do the same. Tell someone close to you, someone who will follow up with you, what you’re resolving to accomplish and by when. Then report back to that person periodically (or, better yet, ask him/her to check up on you). Putting it out there on social media is another way of keeping you on track, which is also why I’m telling you here and now.
To recap: Here are the steps that I’m going to implement in order to avoid my typical New Year’s resolution epic fail.
- Keep it simple.
- Be specific.
- Tell somebody who will check in on your progress.
And if you want me to be your accountability partner, just let me know. I’m not exactly a champion nag, but if you need me to be, I’ll do my best.
Now, switching gears, I want to take a moment to thank you all for reading my blogs this year. You have no idea how much your comments mean to me.
I wish you good health, peace, and happiness in 2018.
Great tips. I stopped making them as I came to accept that I would never make a huge change, just because of a date on a calendar vs the true deep down motivation that needs to come from within me.
Ah, yes! I like that you’ve included two of the the SMART Goals (google-able). I’ve actually, instead of resolutions, used the opportunity to review and revise my goals. Easier for me to focus on what matters to me and they’re generally not personal or relationship oriented but rather about my songwriting passion/business which I try to balance with my personal and relationship. But I love that you’ve included an “accountability” partner, which is something that’s new to me but always suggested by music coaches. I may now try that for 2018! Looking forward to your 2018 insights! Best of all to you!
Any goal achieved be that big or small or just baby steps is good!!!Like you said ,it’s all about balance !
Not big on resolutions. Perhaps I can just try to remember all the great lessons I have already learned so I don’t have to keep learning them again. Happy New Year.