How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolution?
Just over three weeks ago, many of us were filled with hope and determination, setting ambitious resolutions with the thought, "This year will be different!" But as the weeks pass, keeping that initial energy can be tough. After reviewing last year’s business and personal goals, I thought to myself, I can’t do this again and see so many goals go unaccomplished. Ugh! It felt crappy.
That’s why this year I decided to put a different type of plan in place. I participated in a vision board party with several friends, colleagues and my daughter. We had a blast with food, beverages, conversation and lots of magazines. The goal was to put things on our board that we wanted to attract and/or accomplish in the coming year while being open to how it manifests itself. (Note: it's not too late to create one.)
So… a quarter of you may have called it quits already and about 43% of you will be over it by the end of this month. You are not alone. Part of the challenge is keeping up the momentum and not allowing ourselves to be sucked back into old habits we’re trying to eliminate. I have what I call a “schizophrenic squirrel” that sits on my left shoulder and tries to distract me with shiny objects, easy way outs and things not in my vision.
It's hard to stick to resolutions. Here are a few factors that make it tough to keep up with resolutions:
· We set unrealistic expectations: We get too ambitious or choose goals that just aren’t doable within the given timeframe, leading to frustration and eventually giving up.
· We lack specificity: Vague resolutions like "get fit" or "save money" are harder to follow through with than very specific, measurable goals.
· We fail to plan: Without a clear plan, it becomes challenging to stay on track and make consistent progress. I’m a classic “underestimater” of time. Ugh!!
· We Burnout: Our excitement and enthusiasm at the beginning of the year can quickly fade, unless we have a bigger overarching specific reason to follow through. Maybe embrace a year-long vision instead.
Instead of fixating on vague resolutions that often fall by the wayside, consider embracing a year-long vision. Create a visible and tangible version of your vision so you can see it every day. This broader perspective allows for a more open and holistic approach to personal growth. By focusing on long-term objectives and being open to change, you can create a sustainable path to success.
Steps to Implement a Year-Long Vision:
· Define Your Vision: Clearly articulate your long-term goals and what you hope to achieve by the end of the year. Or pick word or concept that puts your vision in a nutshell.
· Create an Action Plan: Develop a plan outlining the steps you believe are needed to achieve your vision and put some dates on them.
· Maintain Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your plan as needed, based on progress and changing circumstances.
· Track Progress: Check in your progress and make adjustments to stay on course.
Sticking to New Year's resolutions can be tough, pivoting your focus to a year-long vision offers a more flexible, run and realistic approach. Just the other day I almost bailed on one aspect of my vision, connecting with others in a non-work environment (aka I was ready to bail on my deep water aqua class because it was too early and the water was cold. Yes, I was being a big baby!). Instead, I pivoted and chose to go to the 8 o’clock class in a warmer pool. And as luck would have it, there was a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time in the class. By putting our visions out there, doing a little planning, and being open to change, we can navigate the challenges, silence the squirrels and stay committed to our vision throughout the year.
PS. Huge thank you to Carolyn Strauss for hosting the vision party and inviting my daughter and me to join in. I look at my vision board every day and especially on Mondays!