New Year’s Resolutions
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Are you busy making your New Year resolutions,
or have you resolved never to make a New Year's resolution ever
again?
If the latter, you're not alone.
Many people get demoralized when, year
after year, they make resolutions that they keep for only a few
weeks or maybe even just a few days.
Why is this? After all, we all have the best intentions and the
timing (new year, new start) couldn't be better. The problem may lie
in the fact that we place a huge amount of pressure on ourselves.
During the last week of December and the first week of January, all
you hear is, "What're your New Year's resolutions?" "What are you
going to work on this year?"
And the focus is on the "what" not the "how." When you are more
concerned with the goal you set than on the specifics of how you are
going to accomplish it, or even whether it is realistic and
achievable, you can set yourself up for failure.
So if you resolve to set successful New Year resolutions, read on.
Let's focus on how, this year, you can set yourself up for a year of
achievement!
New Year Resolution Mistakes
There are two common mistakes that people tend to make before they
even start to make their New Year resolutions: They think
about what they "should" do, rather than what they really want to
do. And worse they think in about what they should stop doing,
rather than what they actually want to achieve. "What should I do
this year?" "What should I stop doing?", "What do other people
suggest I should work on?"
To be successful at any change, you need to
really want it. Unless
you take time to consider what it is you really want (rather than what you should do or should stop doing) you will
invariably end up making a resolution to which you are not entirely
committed.
Without commitment, you aren't motivated and after the first
setbacks or obstacles you will quit. So the first rule of New
Year Resolutions is only to make ones that you are committed to –
don't make a resolution simply because it is "the thing to do", or
because someone has told you that you should.
The irony of it is that New Year's resolutions have the potential to
be very powerful because making them is such a well recognized practice.
Everyone knows that everyone else is setting resolutions. And what a
great mutual support network that can provide!
This external motivation and support, along with your internal
motivation – the desire to succeed – is what can make the
difference between success and failure.
Eight Rules for New Year's Resolutions
Our Eight Rules for New Year's Resolutions will help to set you up for
success right from the start. Inevitably you will come up against
challenges and road blocks along the way; however by planning ahead and
following these rules, you will be better placed to negotiate these
easily, rather than stumble and quit.
Rule 1: Commit to Your Resolution
Successful resolutions start with a strong commitment to make a
change. To succeed, you must believe that you can accomplish what
you set out to achieve, and that belief is bolstered by the unwavering
support you give yourself.
Choose resolutions that you really want to achieve – and make them
positive.
Announce your resolution to everyone around you – they will help
hold you accountable.
Develop a ceremony to mark the beginning of your commitment – this
makes it more "real" and special for you.
Don't leave your choice of resolution to the
last minute – take time to
think about your goals. If you don't, you risk reacting to your
current environment and missing the big picture.
Questions to ask yourself to determine if you can take ownership
of your resolution include:
Is this resolution my idea or someone else's?
Does this resolution motivate and invigorate me?
Does this resolution sit comfortably with other factors in my life,
such as my values and long-term plans?
Remember that there's no reason why your New Year's resolution
should take all year to achieve.
Tip:
Imagery is a powerful technique for helping you commit
to your goals or resolutions. Try picturing yourself having
attained your goal. How do you feel? How do you look? Where you
are, what you're doing? How do others react to you? By
visualizing yourself in the position you desire, you can bolster
your belief that you can do it and strengthen your motivation.
Rule 2: Be Realistic
The key to achieving goals is continued motivation. If you set the bar too high, you risk failing, and consistently failing at something is profoundly de-motivating. It's no wonder that after a few dismal attempts some people abandon the idea of New Year's resolutions altogether!
Consider carefully before setting the same resolution you set last
year. If it didn't work then, you need to make sure that there is a good reason to believe that you can achieve it this year. What has changed? (Be careful, or else you will end up with a repeat performance, and another failed resolution).
Aim lower, rather than too high. Aim for something that is
challenging but that you have a good chance of accomplishing. If
there is any doubt, err on the side of caution and expand your goal
later if you still want to keep improving.
Don't bite off more than you can chew. There is no reason to set
more than one or two resolutions. Any more than that and you divide
your focus and energy and lessen your chances of success in any
area.
Rule 3: Write It Down
A simple but powerful technique for making your goal real is to put your resolution into writing. There is something inside us that responds with more commitment and drive when we take the time to do this. Consider writing it down on pieces of card and keeping it where you'll see it often – on your desk, on the fridge, or in your wallet.
Rule 4: Make a Plan
This is where so many resolutions fall down. Articulating what you
want to achieve is one thing; deciding how to do it is quite
another. Don't miss out this step!
Start by envisioning where you want to be.
Then work back along your path to where you are today.
Write down all the milestones you note in between.
Decide what you will do to accomplish each of these milestones.
You need to know each step and have a plan for what comes next.
Rule 5: Be Flexible
Not everything will work out precisely the way you planned. If you
are too rigid in your approach to resolutions the first minor
obstacle can throw you off your course completely.
When creating your plan, try to predict some challenges you will
face – make a contingency plan for the ones that have the highest
probability. and mentally prepare yourself for the others.
Realize that your resolution itself might change along the way. That's not failure, it's reality. As your life
changes so will your goals, dreams, and desires. Remember Rule 1
(Commit to Your Resolution): If you need to make changes to the goal
so you continue to care about it, do so.
Tip:
There is no fixed rule saying that a resolution must be
set in January. If your circumstances say it is better to
wait until March, then do so. Resolutions and goal setting
are a year round activity. Don't get too caught up in the
New Year frenzy!
Rule 6: Use a System of Reminders
It's hard to keep focused on your plan when you have many other
commitments, responsibilities, and obligations. The best way to stay
on top of your resolution is to develop a formal reminder system.
Have your written down resolutions visible as many times of the
day as possible. Leave reminders at work, at home, in the car, on
your calendar, in your briefcase, and so on.
Make sure that the planned actions are on your to-do
list (perhaps have a special section for them at the top).
Set up reminders in your desktop calendar or subscribe to an email
reminder service.
Be as creative as you can to keep being reminded, and so make sure
your goals stay in the front of your mind.
Rule 7: Track Your Progress
You won't know how well you are doing unless you keep track of your
progress. This is
why your detailed plan is so important. You need to know when each
milestone in accomplished: your excitement around the little
successes will keep you motivated and keep you pushing forwards.
Use a journal and make an entry regarding your progress regularly.
Note when you felt particularly pleased with your efforts.
Note when you felt down or felt like quitting – over time, look
for common themes and decide if there is an underlying issue that
needs to be addressed.
Record challenges you faced as well as things that went better
than planned.
Look back at your entries on a regular basis and use your past
experiences to shape your attitude as you move forward.
Ask a friend or family member to call you on pre-defined occasions
to discuss your progress.
Rule 8: Reward Yourself
Although knowledge of a job well done can be reward enough, we
all enjoy a little treat from time to time. Even the most committed
person needs a boost and sometimes that is best accomplished through
an external reward.
When you are developing your plan, make a note of some milestones
where you will reward yourself once they are achieved. But spread them
out – you want to make sure the rewards remain special and are not too
easy to get.
Key Points
New Year's resolutions can be a pain or a pleasure. The choice is
yours. If it's a pain, you may resolve never to make a resolution
again. So resolve to make it a pleasure! The starting point is to
focus on something that you really want and are ready to give your
commitment to. Do this and you'll be in a great position to stay
motivated and be successful!
As you plan your New Year resolutions, apply the Eight Rules to set yourself up for success.
Also, why not share your resolutions in our forum , for
extra support and motivation?
Making New Year's Resolutions is just one example of goal setting, one of the most fundamental and powerful personal development techniques available. Click here for the Mind Tools article on goal setting .
Tags:
Skills, Time Management
or have you resolved never to make a New Year's resolution ever
again?
If the latter, you're not alone.
Many people get demoralized when, year
after year, they make resolutions that they keep for only a few
weeks or maybe even just a few days.
Why is this? After all, we all have the best intentions and the
timing (new year, new start) couldn't be better. The problem may lie
in the fact that we place a huge amount of pressure on ourselves.
During the last week of December and the first week of January, all
you hear is, "What're your New Year's resolutions?" "What are you
going to work on this year?"
And the focus is on the "what" not the "how." When you are more
concerned with the goal you set than on the specifics of how you are
going to accomplish it, or even whether it is realistic and
achievable, you can set yourself up for failure.
So if you resolve to set successful New Year resolutions, read on.
Let's focus on how, this year, you can set yourself up for a year of
achievement!
New Year Resolution Mistakes
There are two common mistakes that people tend to make before they
even start to make their New Year resolutions: They think
about what they "should" do, rather than what they really want to
do. And worse they think in about what they should stop doing,
rather than what they actually want to achieve. "What should I do
this year?" "What should I stop doing?", "What do other people
suggest I should work on?"
To be successful at any change, you need to
really want it. Unless
you take time to consider what it is you really want (rather than what you should do or should stop doing) you will
invariably end up making a resolution to which you are not entirely
committed.
Without commitment, you aren't motivated and after the first
setbacks or obstacles you will quit. So the first rule of New
Year Resolutions is only to make ones that you are committed to –
don't make a resolution simply because it is "the thing to do", or
because someone has told you that you should.
The irony of it is that New Year's resolutions have the potential to
be very powerful because making them is such a well recognized practice.
Everyone knows that everyone else is setting resolutions. And what a
great mutual support network that can provide!
This external motivation and support, along with your internal
motivation – the desire to succeed – is what can make the
difference between success and failure.
Eight Rules for New Year's Resolutions
Our Eight Rules for New Year's Resolutions will help to set you up for
success right from the start. Inevitably you will come up against
challenges and road blocks along the way; however by planning ahead and
following these rules, you will be better placed to negotiate these
easily, rather than stumble and quit.
Rule 1: Commit to Your Resolution
Successful resolutions start with a strong commitment to make a
change. To succeed, you must believe that you can accomplish what
you set out to achieve, and that belief is bolstered by the unwavering
support you give yourself.
Choose resolutions that you really want to achieve – and make them
positive.
Announce your resolution to everyone around you – they will help
hold you accountable.
Develop a ceremony to mark the beginning of your commitment – this
makes it more "real" and special for you.
Don't leave your choice of resolution to the
last minute – take time to
think about your goals. If you don't, you risk reacting to your
current environment and missing the big picture.
Questions to ask yourself to determine if you can take ownership
of your resolution include:
Is this resolution my idea or someone else's?
Does this resolution motivate and invigorate me?
Does this resolution sit comfortably with other factors in my life,
such as my values and long-term plans?
Remember that there's no reason why your New Year's resolution
should take all year to achieve.
Tip:
Imagery is a powerful technique for helping you commit
to your goals or resolutions. Try picturing yourself having
attained your goal. How do you feel? How do you look? Where you
are, what you're doing? How do others react to you? By
visualizing yourself in the position you desire, you can bolster
your belief that you can do it and strengthen your motivation.
Rule 2: Be Realistic
The key to achieving goals is continued motivation. If you set the bar too high, you risk failing, and consistently failing at something is profoundly de-motivating. It's no wonder that after a few dismal attempts some people abandon the idea of New Year's resolutions altogether!
Consider carefully before setting the same resolution you set last
year. If it didn't work then, you need to make sure that there is a good reason to believe that you can achieve it this year. What has changed? (Be careful, or else you will end up with a repeat performance, and another failed resolution).
Aim lower, rather than too high. Aim for something that is
challenging but that you have a good chance of accomplishing. If
there is any doubt, err on the side of caution and expand your goal
later if you still want to keep improving.
Don't bite off more than you can chew. There is no reason to set
more than one or two resolutions. Any more than that and you divide
your focus and energy and lessen your chances of success in any
area.
Rule 3: Write It Down
A simple but powerful technique for making your goal real is to put your resolution into writing. There is something inside us that responds with more commitment and drive when we take the time to do this. Consider writing it down on pieces of card and keeping it where you'll see it often – on your desk, on the fridge, or in your wallet.
Rule 4: Make a Plan
This is where so many resolutions fall down. Articulating what you
want to achieve is one thing; deciding how to do it is quite
another. Don't miss out this step!
Start by envisioning where you want to be.
Then work back along your path to where you are today.
Write down all the milestones you note in between.
Decide what you will do to accomplish each of these milestones.
You need to know each step and have a plan for what comes next.
Rule 5: Be Flexible
Not everything will work out precisely the way you planned. If you
are too rigid in your approach to resolutions the first minor
obstacle can throw you off your course completely.
When creating your plan, try to predict some challenges you will
face – make a contingency plan for the ones that have the highest
probability. and mentally prepare yourself for the others.
Realize that your resolution itself might change along the way. That's not failure, it's reality. As your life
changes so will your goals, dreams, and desires. Remember Rule 1
(Commit to Your Resolution): If you need to make changes to the goal
so you continue to care about it, do so.
Tip:
There is no fixed rule saying that a resolution must be
set in January. If your circumstances say it is better to
wait until March, then do so. Resolutions and goal setting
are a year round activity. Don't get too caught up in the
New Year frenzy!
Rule 6: Use a System of Reminders
It's hard to keep focused on your plan when you have many other
commitments, responsibilities, and obligations. The best way to stay
on top of your resolution is to develop a formal reminder system.
Have your written down resolutions visible as many times of the
day as possible. Leave reminders at work, at home, in the car, on
your calendar, in your briefcase, and so on.
Make sure that the planned actions are on your to-do
list (perhaps have a special section for them at the top).
Set up reminders in your desktop calendar or subscribe to an email
reminder service.
Be as creative as you can to keep being reminded, and so make sure
your goals stay in the front of your mind.
Rule 7: Track Your Progress
You won't know how well you are doing unless you keep track of your
progress. This is
why your detailed plan is so important. You need to know when each
milestone in accomplished: your excitement around the little
successes will keep you motivated and keep you pushing forwards.
Use a journal and make an entry regarding your progress regularly.
Note when you felt particularly pleased with your efforts.
Note when you felt down or felt like quitting – over time, look
for common themes and decide if there is an underlying issue that
needs to be addressed.
Record challenges you faced as well as things that went better
than planned.
Look back at your entries on a regular basis and use your past
experiences to shape your attitude as you move forward.
Ask a friend or family member to call you on pre-defined occasions
to discuss your progress.
Rule 8: Reward Yourself
Although knowledge of a job well done can be reward enough, we
all enjoy a little treat from time to time. Even the most committed
person needs a boost and sometimes that is best accomplished through
an external reward.
When you are developing your plan, make a note of some milestones
where you will reward yourself once they are achieved. But spread them
out – you want to make sure the rewards remain special and are not too
easy to get.
Key Points
New Year's resolutions can be a pain or a pleasure. The choice is
yours. If it's a pain, you may resolve never to make a resolution
again. So resolve to make it a pleasure! The starting point is to
focus on something that you really want and are ready to give your
commitment to. Do this and you'll be in a great position to stay
motivated and be successful!
As you plan your New Year resolutions, apply the Eight Rules to set yourself up for success.
Also, why not share your resolutions in our forum , for
extra support and motivation?
Making New Year's Resolutions is just one example of goal setting, one of the most fundamental and powerful personal development techniques available. Click here for the Mind Tools article on goal setting .
