Since there is just two weeks until New Year’s Eve, it is appropriate to start thinking about that once a year declaration! What is a resolution? It is a resolve or determination to make a firm resolution to do something. Every year I hear people say that they will do something different, but the outcome is generally the same. Nothing! I am not trying to be negative, but statistically nearly 80% fail!
The most common New Year’s resolutions are to become physically fit, lose weight, stop smoking, quit drinking, get out of debt or get organized. Why don’t they work? We make these resolutions at the beginning of the year using the group psychology or seeking the strength of the group. Where is that group when you need it? You may make your resolution as a group, but there is no group support! If you and your friends wanted to lose weight and were willing to support each other, it may help you be more successful. Most of the resolutions fail because a goal without a plan is a wish! A wish is I want to be rich and successful! The plan is how you will become rich and successful. Any goal that is worthwhile needs a plan to make it happen. It is a road map to the goal. It details the steps necessary to succeed.
Why wait until New Year’s to make a resolution? Why put off achieving goals that are important to you? If it is important to you, then plan the steps necessary to accomplish them. For example, if you want to lose weight, why wait? Weight loss, like many goals require an effort over time! You didn’t gain the weight in one day, so it will take more than one day to lose it. The rule of thumb is it takes 22 days to develop or change a habit. What are you going to do? Better yet, why wait until a particular date? Start now, create your plan and hold yourself accountable! Change your habits now to achieve your goals. Good luck. If you like this article, please subscribe.
Photo by: foxypar4
Usually, I don’t make New Year resolutions, but this year I have an extremely difficult financial goal.
My 2011 resolution is to get a 4-plex. This is going to be tough and I might not do it, but it’ll be awesome if I achieve that goal.
Go for it! Make your plan and stick to it. My first income property was a 9 unit. It was my first step to be financially independent by age 38. Good luck.
I’m working on my goals, and will be taking some time to formulate them in the next week.
I agree that it takes time for changes to become habit, so the goals must be well thought out, actionable, and attainable. For me, it’s a matter of taking the longer-term goals and breaking them down into sub-goals, or short-term goals. At this point, it’s a matter of deciding the best steps in that process:)
Thank you for your comment. I like the SMART goal setting scheme which is goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. I would add one additional suggestion which is hold yourself accountable for the hits and misses. Stay flexible and change to meet your milestones Good luck.
Hi KC, I don’t normally make NY’s resolutions myself. I do a lot of goal setting all year round….i just don’t have time to wait until Jan 1 to get them started!
Oh, and thanks for stopping by earlier and welcome to Yakezie!
Thank you for your comment. I am patience challenged, so I can never wait! Besides why wait? The sooner you start, the sooner you finish (reach your goal).
Like others have mentioned, I don’t usually make New Years resolutions because I prefer goals. This year I might make an exception though. In that case my resolution would be “focus” — on the single goal I intend to set.
Thank you for your comment. If I may interpret your statement, your New Year’s resolution is to reinforce your goal? I don’t see anything wrong in that. I hope that works! Let me know, if it does.
Last year I only kept half of my resolutions… So for the New Year I’m going to try something different! 😉
Thank you for your comment. Change is good, let me know how it works out.
My new years resolution is to be stop worrying about things that I have no control over, and to stop being self-conscious about the things I don’t like about myself. It’s not easy to change our natures, sometimes, but I will try.
Thank you for your comment. Change is never easy, it takes a bigger effort to create habit. Lay out your goals, establish a plan and hold yourself accountable. Good luck. I hope you find other articles interesting and useful.
I am with Invest It Wisely- I need to stop worrying about things I cannot control. That will take a lot more than a ‘resolution’ for me though as it has been a life-long problem.
I also need to make exercise a priority instead of a ‘if I have time’ kind of thing.
Thanks for the comment. It is no different that any other goal, find a reason to do it or change a habit. I ride my bicycle every weekend for an hour and a half. I do it for exercise, but I find I do my best thinking when I ride. It is also a great stress reliever! Good luck.
Me too. I constantly worry about things I have no control over. I think it is not just a New Year resoluton for me (I don’t really set resolutions). It is more … a lifetime goal. 🙂
Thanks, I agree goals give me a feeling of accomplishment. It is an important part of my personality.
We stopped making resolutions a few years ago. Now we do SMART goals, it has worked out fine for the last few years.
This year we have quite a few goals actually – personal (lost 15 lbs, make 4 new friends – yeah I am an introvert so I need a goal to accomplish this, volunteer atleast 3 hrs a week), financial (add 3 more months to emergency fund, house down payment and travel fund to see the 7 wonders of the world), blogging (mostly subscribers and visitor goals) and professional. Quite a few goals I guess 🙂 Lets see if I get anywhere lol
PS: Sent you an email don’t know if you are interested but check it out!
Thank you for your comment. Goals need plans. A step by step plan that holds you accountable for your goals. Periodically, check your progress and adjust your efforts to accomplish your goals. Good luck.
My resolution this year is to put my phone away when I get home for at least 30 minutes. I should take time to do non-technological things to let my brain relax for a few minutes. I can clean the dishes, organize my room, take out the trash, nap, or anything else, but I don’t want to be staring at a screen!
Thanks for your comment. Why wait for New Year’s? Start now. Good luck.
Starting today, then. Should be a nice break.
Absolutely!
Resolutions are goals we just don’t call them goals. My goal is to hit 7 figures in my IRA this year and have a bod like I had 40 years ago. The great thing is I am more than half way there on both of them.
Thanks for your comment. I think it is personal perception. I am glad you are on your way.
I make massive goals each new year, and then all through the year. What a sense of accomplishment!