Who remembers saying “2020 is going to be my year”? It’s the beginning of a new decade (or the end, depending on how you look at it). It follows a pattern, 2-0-2-0. It seems like no better year to aim for the stars! So, we set our hefty new year’s resolutions. Starting a new career or business, going back to school, saving money/budgeting, and losing weight are common resolutions. We made lists, attended vision board parties, and even shopped for jeans a size smaller than we are.
We should all aim high. Speak it into existence! Affirmations are the SECRET, right? Wouldn’t most people agree that these actions all sound positive? I think so. So, what’s the problem?
Well, the problem isn’t being too positive. The problem is being too vague. An article in Business Insider estimates that 80% of new year’s resolutions fail by this time of year (February). It’s because we don’t have a detailed game plan to accomplish them.
When setting resolutions (or any goals for that matter), take time to think them through. A few things to consider:
- History is the best predictor of your future behaviors. So be realistic.
- Evaluate the time you have at your disposal. Do you really have time to take 3 college courses, work your stressful full-time job, and still make it to every friend’s birthday celebration?
- Be rational. If you plan to publish a book, draw out an outline for all of the steps necessary to complete it. And add in a buffer along the way. Creative juices don’t always flow on demand (trust me).
- Limit your list. Know that everything cannot get done in one year.
- Organize your thoughts and projects. Again, outlines are good for creative works. Also, there may be an efficient way to organize your projects (e.g., lose the extra 10 pounds before you sign up for the 10k).
- Write them down and post them where you can revisit the list often. out of sight, out of mind.
- Don’t allow people or things to hijack your time. You plan to learn the piano. Don’t let your friend talk you into signing up for guitar lessons with them.
