Let us get straight to the “meat of the matter” – resolutions, that big word that we resurrect closer to the end of the year and into the New Year. That word triggers feelings/ emotions similar to when we meet the man or woman of our dreams. That WORD causes fluctuations in our heartbeat; (which is anxiety) in anticipation of strides that we can make to change our lives and change our circumstances. One more chance to create a change…
How many times have you gone through this? Ringing in the New Year armed with your goals/ aspirations will surely get you where you aim to be. Let me ask you this – Have your resolutions created the magic to get you to where you want to be? Have they waned each time leaving you to think that successful resolutions are a myth? (nuttn nuh go so, as we would say in Jamaica).
Studies show that failure to meet resolutions is sometimes attributed to forgetting our goals as early as February. Other times we set unrealistic goals and expectations, and sometimes resolutions are unsuccessful because our plans are not focused on the baby steps needed to make big change easier on us.
So is it myth or magic? Or, is it a matter of just being resolute and armed with a plan that keeps our resolution in our immediate vision? A plan that helps us step by step in achieving these goals while incorporating the SMART process!
Quick share –The SMART Process – Your goals should be:
Specific – know what you are trying to achieve, and be as pointed as possible. This makes it easier and reduces confusion or generalisations.
Measurable – use your senses here, what will it look like, or feel like, etc. So you will know when you get there.
Achievable – your goal should stretch you but at the same time be attainable.
Relevant – what does it mean to you, how will it help, will it add value? If you can identify the value then more than likely you will want to attain the desired goal.
Time-bound – there has to be a time limit that ensures this is no longer a goal but a reality.
Making changes in our lives is not a simple feat, and it is not waving a magic wand and saying “Abracadabra.” In any event, magic is not what we are referring to here.
Resolutions are neither myth nor magic. How you achieve them, however, will be left up to you… here’s a hint – be SMART and committed to your goals.
Peter Singer, an Australian philosopher, hits the nail on the head when he says, “Sometimes we know the best thing to do, but fail to do it. New Year’s resolutions are often like that. We make resolutions because we know losing weight, getting fit, or spending more time with our children would be better. The problem is that a resolution is generally easier to break than it is to keep.” Herein lies the problem, I believe. When we commit to stick to our resolutions, equipped with tight planning, and strategically keep it within our vision; it may become exactly what we need. Not in a wow way, but, systematically and more easily, causing the changes we desire!
Let Us Start Again!
Resolutions should not be a one-day focus on January 1st but should be a continuous occurrence throughout the year as needed. Resolutions should be the support that gets us to where we need to go. Our focus should be on making ourselves and each day progressively better. And understand that systematic changes are more tolerable and achievable over a “big bang” change that usually overwhelms us while trying to change. The focus of the New Year must be a reflective and sobering one. Understanding that if the change is to come, it will require different actions, hence us incorporating SMART goals.
How about adding these to the mix:
- Get an accountability partner.
- Schedule a time for meeting up with other women, organise a resolution and planning party. Then commit to meeting regularly to review and track progress.
- Partner with a coach to help you.
- If you have children bring them on board… they are hard and spare no mercy – they will not allow you to forget.
- We all love our gadgets, so how about setting monthly timelines and allowing your phone (or whatever gadget you spend lots of time on) to remind you.
- If you inadvertently slip up on a resolution, don’t just abandon the effort until next year. Brush it off, double down on the effort to keep the resolution. Resolutions are not just for January 1!
- Reward yourself richly. When you’re succeeding with your resolution, treat yourself to something nice without breaking the bank. Doing so allows you to look forward to the next treat and encourages you to keep the commitment.
