New Year Resolutions or New Year Goals?

One will lead to disappointment … the other results, success, and happiness.

This is usually the time of year that most people start making new year resolutions for themselves. 

Although very popular, resolutions don’t work.  What happens with people who make new year resolutions?  By the time February comes around, most people who make resolutions stop or quit.  The strange thing is that the very next year, they will make the exact same resolution, and yet by the time that February comes around, they stop or quit again.  Does this sound familiar? It’s like a vicious cycle, year after year.  Which leads to one thing … disappointment.

Why don’t resolutions work?  Well, to start, they are usually declared without careful consideration and without the backing of a serious commitment. They are often unrealistic and they lack planning.  In fact, Webster’s Online Dictionary defines “resolution” as follows:

     “a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner.”

And this is why resolutions don’t work.  Because at best, a resolution in only a “decision to do something” and nothing more.  There is no end in mind and no means to get to the end.

Goals, on the other hand, are way more powerful then resolutions.  In contrast, Webster’s Online Dictionary defines “goal” as follows: 

                       “the end toward which effort is directed.”

Instead of making resolutions this new year, set some powerful goals for yourself.  When setting goals, choose specific areas of your life that are important to you:  Health, Family, Work, Finances, Recreation, Spirituality. 

Make your goal Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound (S.M.A.R.T. Goals).  You must always set a timeline to when you want your goals achieved by. 

Also keep your goals positive, stated in the present tense, and always, always, WRITE THEM DOWN ON PAPER.  Carry that paper with you everywhere you go as a constant reminder of your goals.  You must plan accordingly and take all the necessary action steps. 

 Goals without action are dead.

Here are some examples of effective goal statements:

  1. “I am releasing 15 lbs in 90 days.”
  2. “I am eating whole, healthy, nutritious food 3 times a day.”
  3. “I am working out 3 times a week.”
  4. “I am walking every day for 30 minutes.”
  5. “I am running and completing a 10k race by May 15, 2011.”

 Always keep your goals WRITTEN.  It makes them concrete!

Your goals tend to materialize easily and effortlessly when you follow these simple steps.  However, nothing happens without ACTION.  Plan your action steps and follow-through.

 One more thing to keep in mind when working your goals …

 COMMITMENT

Your commitment to your success is perhaps the single most important factor to seeing your goals materialize.  You must be 100% committed to yourself and to your goal.  The following quote says it best:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back.  Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:  that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too.  All sorts of things occur to help that would never otherwise have occurred.  A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all the manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed have come his way.” – Scottish mountaineer, William Hutchinson Murray

You see, the moment you commit yourself, your goal is certain to materialize.  Commit to your health, your well-being, your happiness, and your success.  And take action.  You must do something.  You must plan your work and work your plan.   

 “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it” – German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 Make this year the best year ever for your self and your life.

Wishing you an abundant, healthy,  joyous and peaceful 2011.

Please leave a comment. Share this article with your friends.  Thank you for visiting and reading our blog.