Why you need a goal instead of a New Year's Resolution

Consider setting goals instead of making New Year’s Resolutions

Are you still working on your New Year’s Resolutions? Congratulations if you are. Statistics show that only about 25% of the population who set New Year’s Resolutions are still at it after three weeks and of this lot only 8% will complete their targets they set out at the start of the year. These are rather grim statistics, aren’t they? As they say, nothing changes if nothing changes so perhaps an idea would be to look at the topic of resolutions a bit differently.

You see, the reason why we give up on resolutions so easily is because they are too broad and vague and therefore unattainable. And of course, because we look at it as a New YEAR’S resolution, we resign ourselves with starting again the following year if we fail prematurely.

For this year, don’t be part of the pitiful statistics; set goals instead of resolutions. A goal, unlike a resolution, is more specific and more measurable therefore you are more likely to keep it up. You also can set a time limit for 30 days or 90 days and if you slip up, you still have a chance to have another go.

Another way to ensure that you achieve your goal, is to break it into small achievable steps. For example if you plan to lose weight, firstly try and make it a specific goal like: I will lose 10 kilograms in 60 days. Then, write down the steps that you need to take to work towards this goal like working on a meal plan, doing exercises, foods to avoid, adopting healthier eating habits etc

Make sure you set aside some time each week to revisit this goal and tick off what you did well and what you need to work on the next week. Consider keeping a resolution (insert “goal” here) journal, where you can record your successes and struggles. Write down the reasons why you are working toward your goal so that you can refer to them during times when you feel uninspired and unmotivated. The good thing about working on a goal instead of a resolution is that if you experience a setback, you can start all over again.

It is absolutely necessary to set a SMART goal in order to achieve success. Without this, you are like the driver who hops into their car without a roadmap and drives without knowing where they are going. They drive and drive and then get so confused or overwhelmed at which point they quit and head for home.

Next week I will try and illustrate with an example how to set a SMART goal that is easily achievable. If you have a goal you wish to work on ( or for another family member or friend), and need some help, I am more than happy to assist as I have a lot of experience in goal setting. (You may send a private message).

As we move onto the fourth week of the year, please revisit your resolution if you have ditched it already. There’s still another 49 weeks to give it another go. Have a fabulous week, folks!