Resolutions (12/08)
By Liz Peoples
As we sit back and review the year—and what a year it has been with the turmoil in the financial markets, presidential elections, etc.—the next step is to make resolutions for the upcoming year.
Some of my resolutions over the years have been:
- Lose weight
- Stop worrying so much
- Send out holiday cards
- Practice yoga
- Take a class
Maybe some of my resolutions sound similar to a few that you have made over the years but what they have most in common is that resolutions that we make in January often are not met and fall off of our radar by February. Well we are not alone—from various studies, approximately 45% of us make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8% succeed. So we are not alone in not meeting our resolutions.
This year I am taking different steps in setting resolutions, hoping to be more successful. Like many librarians I did a little research on this topic. In reviewing what has been written on being successful at setting resolutions, the steps that seem to make the most sense to me came from: myGoals.com®—Tips for Making Good New Year’s Resolutions.
- Create a Plan—Setting a goal without formulating a plan is merely wishful thinking. In order for your resolution to have resolve (as the word “resolution” implies), it must translate into clear steps that can be put into action. A good plan will tell you A) What to do next and B) What are all of the steps required to complete the goal.
- Create Your Plan IMMEDIATELY—Do not put off creating your plan. When you are making resolutions you are actively thinking—write down your next steps and focus on setting goals so that you have a road map to fulfilling your resolutions.
- Write Down Your Resolution—Keep a journal or notebook of your resolutions and map out steps and goals to keep you motivated.
- Think “Year Round,” Not Just New Year’s—As resolutions are often made around changing a type of behavior, keep in mind that this will not be an overnight phenomena.
- Remain Flexible—Expect that your plan can and will change. Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected things at us and flexibility is required to complete anything but the simplest goal. Acknowledge partial successes and victories along the way toward meeting your goals. Slip-ups do not mean total defeat—they happen—keep going.
Although resolutions are often personally focused, you do not have to go it alone—in fact including another person in meeting a goal is a powerful tool. By taking that walk in the morning or at lunch time with a friend, it is more likely going to help you get out the door and get more exercise into your lifestyle.
Get specific in stating your resolution which would change my resolutions to be:
- Lose 10 pounds
- Send out holiday cards in 2008
- Practice yoga once a week
- Take a cooking class
Good luck in making resolutions for 2009—have fun in the journey toward attaining your goals.
