Most New Year Resolutions Are Terrible. Try This Instead.
Written by: Ashira D. Jones
As we approach the end of 2019, you might be shifting your attention to your 2020 New Year’s resolutions. These will be no ordinary resolutions because they will serve as the foundation for the next decade. As you reflect on your aspirations, consider not only your personal goals but also how you can deepen your influence and evolve as a leader. Depending on your goals, the stakes might feel higher than usual, so craft them in a way that maximizes your chances for success. Unsure of what your goals are? Check out this article to get some fresh ideas.
Have you tried and failed to deliver on New Year’s resolutions in years past? Consider these strategies instead of hastily setting goals that will fade faster than the flavor of bubble gum:
Clarify Your Top Values
According to the Co-Active Training Institute, “Values are who we are. Not who we would like to be, not who we think we should be, but who we are in our lives, right now.” They are principles that you hold onto in your life, and are intrinsic to you. Your values are as distinctly yours as your thumbprint. To live a fulfilled life, make choices that honor your values every single day. As a leader, knowing your North Star also helps you lead with authenticity and decisiveness. If you’re not sure of your values, consider partnering with a coach.
Envision Your Ideal Life in Five Years
Your life is simply a cumulation of the many choices you make daily. Because we have so many responsibilities, painting a detailed picture of who you want to be five years from now can be helpful. The five-year mark is a compelling target to aim for, and close enough to feel real and still far away enough to formulate winning strategies to get there.
Shift Your Mindset About Resolutions
Most people see resolutions as black and white; they are kept, or they are not. You’ve succeeded, or you’ve failed. This approach tends to create an excessive amount of pressure to be perfect. It can also inhibit incremental successes that are just as important as big wins. Instead, use your resolutions as fun experiments. For example, first, establish a hypothesis such as “I’ll have more energy if I meditate for ten minutes every morning before work.” Next, test the theory. “I only meditated for three mornings this week, and I still had a ton more energy than I had before.” Finally, reflect on your learning, adjust your approach, and test again. All the world is your laboratory!
Although they are established with the very best of intentions, most people’s resolutions dissolve within mere weeks of January 1st. Whether you aim to get fit, eat healthier, or save money, set yourself up for success with a new approach to goal setting. As a result, you will root your resolutions in fertile ground, and you’ll be poised to flourish.
