Keeping Resolutions

RESOLUTIONS STICKING with your

We do new year’s resolutions kinda backwards. At the end of one year we make a list of the ways we aim to improve in the coming year. We to improve in the coming year. We write it down, make it look pretty and tell everyone about it.

All that’s not so bad, really. But then we come to the point where we start to do it wrong. That’s when we put those resolutions up on a trophy shelf, to look at and admire, like we’ve already actually done something. That’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works. Nevertheless, we are bombarded every year at this time by this statistic: more than half of all New Year’s resolutions fail. In fact, a FranklinCover study back in 2007 found that a third of resolutions won’t make it through January. The problem is that we use “resolve” in “New Year’s Resolution” as a verb. We identify a problem, find a solution and decide on a course of action. But that should be where the fun begins, not ends. You see, the resolve in a New Year’s Resolution should be a noun, not a verb. It should be the grit and determination that what you have determined to do will happen, regardless of the cost.

where we start to do it wrong. That’s when we put those That’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works. Nevertheless, we are bombarded every year at this time by this statistic: more than half of all New Year’s resolutions fail. In fact, a FranklinCover study back in 2007 found that The problem is that we use “resolve” in “New Year’s Res and decide on a course of action. But that should be where the fun begins, not ends. You see, the resolve in a New Year’s Resolution should be a noun, not a verb. It should be the grit and determination that what you have determined to do will happen, regardless of the cost.

BY SCOTT ANDERSON

So, where can you start imagining a better you in 2022? Here are a few tips:

Ƚ Look back and acknowledge your past mistakes: A

Harvard Health report suggests analyzing your track record of failed resolutions to determine why they didn’t work. Big, hairy, audacious goals are great, but they can be discouraging if they are too big. By understanding what went wrong and forgiving yourself, you can learn from the past and move forward. Ƚ Balance the scales: Sometimes we are reluctant to let go of a bad behavior because there’s something we enjoy about that behavior — like eating pie, lots and lots of pie. The Harvard Health report says balancing the pluses and minuses of the behavior increases the chances of succeeding at making a change. The report also suggests finding a way to indulge in enjoyable aspects of an unhealthy behavior without the behavior itself. I’m not sure how you do that with pie. But if you enjoy your smoke breaks, take the break without the cigarette. Ƚ Make sure the resolution is your own: All your friends going vegan and signing up for yoga in 2022. That might be great for them. But is it right for you? Resolutions are personal. They should be about becoming the best version of you possible. It’s not the time to go along with the crowd. Ƚ Set the right goal: It’s not enough to tell yourself you’re going to “lose weight” or “read more.” Resolutions should include a definitive goal with a detailed plan to accomplish that goal. You’re a smart person.

Your resolutions also should be SMART — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

Ƚ It’s about progress, not perfection: Losing 80 pounds is hard. I know. So is any other resolutions worth going after. If resolutions were easy, how much would they really change us. Break down a huge resolution into small goals spaced throughout the year. And don’t forget to chart your progress and celebrate the victories along the way. A Forbes magazine report suggests keeping a gratitude journal to keep you pressing forward through the difficult times. And that’s what it’s all about. Ƚ You don’t have to go it alone: Why do we write down resolutions? For many, it’s just another piece of paper to crumple up and throw away by Valentine’s Day. But if you write resolutions down and are brave enough to share them with the right people, then you have both the accountability and support you need to stay on track. Whether you have a list of life-changing goals, a single resolution or a word you want to define this year, it’s going to take determination, focus and hard work. But in the end, discovering a new Look back and acknowledge your past mistakes: you in the new year is worth every effort. record of failed resolutions to determine why they didn’t work. Big, hairy, audacious goals are great, but they can be discouraging if they are too big. By under standing what went wrong and forgiving yourself, you can learn from the past and move forward. we enjoy about that behavior — like eating pie, lots and lots of pie. The Harvard Health report says balancing the pluses and minuses of the behavior increases the chances of succeeding at making a change. The report also suggests finding a way to indulge in enjoyable aspects of an unhealthy behav ior without the behavior itself. I’m not sure how you do that with pie. But if you enjoy your smoke breaks, take the break without the cigarette. Make sure the resolution is your own: All your friends might be great for them. But is it right for you? Reso lutions are personal. They should be about becoming It’s not enough to tell yourself you’re going to “lose weight” or “read more.” Resolu tions should include a definitive goal with a detailed plan to accomplish that goal. You’re a smart person. Your resolutions also should be SMART — specific, 80 pounds is hard. I know. So is any other resolutions worth going after. If resolu throughout the year. And don’t forget the victories along the way. A Forbes magazine report suggests keeping a gratitude journal to keep you pressing forward through the difficult times.

You don’t have to go it alone:

do we write down resolutions? For many, it’s just another piece of paper to crumple up and throw away by Valen tine’s Day. But if you write resolutions down and are brave enough to share both the accountability and support you need to stay on track. Whether you have a list of life-changing goals, a single resolution or a word you want to define this year, it’s going to take determination, fo cus and hard work. But in the end, discovering a new you in the new year is worth every effort.

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