How to GIVE UP on Your New Year’s Resolutions.

The inventor of the Pringles can, Fredric J Baur, is now buried in one; don’t let your bright ideas and resolutions burry you.

I was recently talking with a friend about New Year’s resolutions. She mentioned that she does not set resolutions, because anyone can make a goal at anytime of the year. She also expressed that more often than not people don’t actually keep their resolutions. She is completely right!

Studies have shown that by the second week of January, only 71% of Americans are still working toward their resolutions and by February 80% of Americans have walked away from their New Year's resolutions.

So, why is that?

There are many reasons for that, one being they treat the resolution like a sprint rather than a marathon. In this day in age, so many things have an immediate return i.e., phones, computers, etc. So often we push and push, but when we don’t get fast results we give up. Additionally, people approach these resolutions without balance, proper support, creating a plan with small steps, without putting the steps into action, and making their goal a part of daily routine.

Furthermore, my friend was right that one day of year is not the only time to set goals. It is so important to know that no matter what day of the year, you can always set a new goal, you can always start over. No one is bound to one random day as to what they can achieve.

However, for me, I love New Year’s, not for a party or celebration, but because I love to plan. I love to organize my year to help set myself up for success. I appreciate a day (along with many others) that I can be intentional about defining the things I want to do, accomplish, and work toward. I look at the new year as a reset.

Could I plan for a goal or reset at any point in the year?

Absolutely, but I look forward to setting goals around the first part of the year.

In my life I do not use the word “resolution” because it means to make a promise to do or not do something.

I prefer to make goals and set intentions. Both of these are great because goals and intentions involve making a plan, aiming for something, and working toward it in order to achieve it. Unlike a promise, which can imply strict regiments, goals and intentions allow for stretching and growing in the process of something coming to pass.

So how do I set up goals and intentions?

First, I pray about certain my year, so I am not doing it all on my own. During this time, I define exactly what it is I want to aim for and why. This lays a foundation for the rest of my goal setting.

Secondly, I write out my goals very specifically. When goals are vague, it is easy to forget and walk away. I also, make sure that the language I use is positive and encouraging, for example, “practice”, “work towards”, or “take steps toward.” I try to stay away from definitive words, such as "always", "never", and "every."

Thirdly, I create a plan of action. I write a rough draft of how I can achieve my goals including steps of what I need to do implement my plan and steps. To help me stay on track, I make sure my goals are visible throughout my day.

There are several ways to keep goals in the forefront of your mind such as:

-Make your goal a part of your daily routine so it becomes a habit.

-Write it on a calendar, planner, journal, refrigerator, or even a mirror.

-Set alarms on your phone, schedule steps into your daily routine.

-Set up accountability

-Write on notecards, post-its, or a note in the car.

-Some people even create an intentions board putting it somewhere they will see it as a reminder.

Lastly, I reflect on how things are going in reaching my goal. I try to track my progress using a journal and a planner. Reflecting and tracking are great tools that help me see what is and isn’t working. It also allows me to make changes to alter and amend my plan of action. (Remember it is okay if you have setbacks, its okay if you are struggling. If something is not working, give yourself some grace; then find a way to start again.)

I have made many goals as well as intentions for myself this year. I am already working toward them; but know I must be gentle with myself, especially with Lyme in the mix.

Even though plans fall through, circumstances change, and health shifts; I strive to be able to bend with life rather than break. Don’t let your goals break or burry you, be flexible within the steps you take in reaching your goals.

So, will you be a part of the 8% of Americans who actually follow through with their goals this year?

Keep in mind…

“A goal properly set is halfway reached.” -Zig Ziglar

*How are you setting goals and what goals have you set for this year?

Let me know in the comments. Also, please share with others.

Know you are not alone, whether its Lyme Disease or just setting goals.

References:

Best Life Editors July 13, 2020

Statisitcs from: Auld Lang Syne: Success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year’s resolvers and nonresolvers, by John C. Norcross, Marci S. Mrykalo, Matthew D. Blagys