Resolutions vs Intentional goals
New year, new you? Or, maybe not.
As soon as January 1 rolls around, society has this idea that because we went around the sun one more time that this is the REAL time to make a change. What is this really about?
Resolutions are made with the mentality of wanting a fresh start, but we rarely think about why the resolutions we “choose” are making us unhappy. Without looking at root causes, we can fall into the same patterns as before. Change, growth, and new choices take work. And, the first step is looking inside yourself and understanding why you are looking for a change.
People naturally yearn for new things and want to feel different from what they do at this moment. But, working through why they want that change, and creating new habits adds the extra layer between those that maintain a year-long exercise regime, rather than Jan 1st-15th. Unfortunately, 80% of people who set resolutions fail by February and only 8% follow through for an entire year. They undoubtedly have the best intentions!
And, honestly, it is absolutely understandable. It is normal to want to set a resolution. Everyone seems to be doing it! But, what if we thought about this whole thing a little differently? Instead of declaring a statement, “I will/will not do…(desired outcome)” How about setting goals that are driven by purpose so you can identify steps to accomplish it?
Say Yes to goal setting
Why goal setting? Well, goals are specific about the action you identified you will be taking. They are measurable, and goals come with a different mindset. One of accountability and that there will be a success at the end of the process, and not a trendy two-week failure. Goals are also achievable because you identify the first steps instead of looking at the whole thing at once.
Bite-sized steps, lead to baby successes to feed the rest of your journey to the last step. At any point in trying to reach your goal, you get to evaluate how reasonable it is that you are going to accomplish it. Aim for what is feasible and not what seems too intangible.
It is ok to say, “No, I will not be setting a resolution this year, however, I will be intentional in my goal setting.” With goal setting, you can create a plan designed for success and not a statement of the desired outcome. It also relieves the pressure on January 1 to make an earth-shattering change in life. It is ok. You’re committed to daily growth — 365 days a year now!
You get to set the boundary around what you want January 1 to look and feel like. Do something for yourself and set yourself up for growth any day of the year. And, it is ok to also just be this year. The pandemic has been a lot, and there is not any pressure to be anything more than you want to be in this moment.
