Why You Should Set Resolutions
Resolutions get a bad wrap. Trust me, I know.
The end of the year rolls around, and after a few glasses of champagne and (hopefully) a little reflection, we often declare (to ourselves or the world) our big ambitions for the coming months. I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with this method of setting goals, and in fact, it is the very end of the year energy of celebration, exhaustion, and reinvigoration that I often find to be the perfect fuel.
It is in this haze that we set resolutions. Resolutions that may be kept for a day, or a week, or a month, but very rarely for a year - and in some situations, really kept at all.
I’ve been there. Despite the fact that I coach people on keeping their resolutions, I haven't always kept the resolutions that I've set.
In fact, that is part of what makes me so qualified to do what I do. This is an issue that I have struggled with, had to work on, and strive to improve. Just like people would be skeptical of taking weight-loss advice from someone who never needed to lose a pound, part of my expertise stems from the fact that I know the struggle often associated with resolutions.
I know the hope and desire of an important goal. The knowing pit in your stomach you’re unlikely to follow through. The shrug. And rolling your eyes at the end of the year because how could you possibly be expected to have done those things that you wanted to do after the crazy year that you had.
I’ve been there. But now, I have made it to the other side. I keep my resolutions - or most of them.
There is something so powerful in knowing that by December 31st of this year, you will have accomplished something that is truly important to you. And that is why I think that resolutions are one of the most powerful types of goals you can set.
You should set resolutions because they have built-in, natural reflection. You likely will take some time at the end of every year to assess what you accomplished over the previous months as well as to consider the things that you want going forward. Reflection is a natural part of that time of year.
Plus, since New Year’s comes at the end of the holiday season, it is likely that you’ve taken some time to slow down and rest. There is space for that reflection to happen. And then, at the conclusion of the year ahead, you can also rest confidently in the knowledge that you will likely have that same opportunity to reflect once again - to look back at the time that has passed, what you’ve been able to accomplish, and celebrate all of the resolutions you have checked off.
Resolutions are worth setting because of the fresh start feeling. I’m sure you know the feeling I'm referring to. It is something that we collectively experience when January 1st rolls around at the start of a brand new year.
Many people also get a fresh start feeling every Monday with the start of a new week, or each new month, or quarter. This feeling tends to only be magnified with the start of the new year and so we can capitalize on that when we set resolutions. Instead of just waking up on a random Thursday and deciding to start working on a goal, when you set a resolution, you have an automatic fresh start.
Similarly, part of the power of resolutions lies in the group momentum and collective experience. Resolutions are part of the discussion every single year. Articles are released, podcast episodes are produced, and people share their resolutions with friends and family - it's an anticipated part of the annual collective experience. Most people are familiar with the concept of New Year's Resolutions. As with the fresh start feeling, there's a group sense of momentum and a collective experience of having assessed the things that we've accomplished, having determined the things that we want, and having the opportunity to start moving forward once again.
You should set resolutions because a year is long enough for a big change. A lot can happen over the course of a year - as evidenced by everything that happened in 2020 (and 2021, if we’re being honest). There is so much opportunity for growth and change and there are so many big goals that you can accomplish over the course of a year. Not to mention all the little ones you can check off too!
Resolutions are also worth setting because one year is also short enough to be manageable. One year is long enough to accomplish something big, but it's also short enough to be manageable. You can keep track of the goals that you're working on. Five- or ten-year goals can be hard to believe or make tangible since they are so much further out in the future. Goals that you set to accomplish in the coming year (aka, resolutions) tend to be things you can wrap your mind around. They are likely to feel within reach or at least be things that you consider to be within the realm of reason. You also are probably more able to consider and conceptualize who you're going to be on this day next year when that goal has been achieved.
Setting New Year's Resolutions gives you a focus and something to work towards. It is a common sentiment that the year is going to come and go one way or the other, but by setting resolutions, you are able to assign a focus for the year. You give yourself something to work towards that matters to you.
You should set resolutions because it gives you a sense of control. Over the past several years, many people felt like they lacked a sense of control because since there were so many things going on in the world. But there are things that you can always control like your thoughts, your feelings, the actions that you take, the goals that you set, how you work towards them, what you accomplish, and what you achieve. Setting resolutions can give you a greater sense of that control.
Resolutions are worth setting because you are likely to experience the full range of events and experiences over the course of a year. I work with most of my clients over the course of a year, because I think it is the most powerful container and can create the opportunity for the most change. A year includes the full cycle of everything and you have a chance to experience most of the things that are going to get in the way of reaching your goals - holidays, birthdays, travel, changes during the work and school year, pandemics (apparently), and everything else.
By having this full range of events and experience over the course of a year, and by having the chance to see how your goals will hold up to those things, you get the opportunity to learn more about yourself, to overcome the obstacles you're going to face, and to build the skills you need to keep moving forward.
You should also set New Year's Resolutions because of the built-in timeline. It is so helpful to know exactly when you're going to start and exactly when you want to be done. Plus, there are so many opportunities along the way to check on your progress. The start of each week, month, or quarter is a reminder to check in and see where you're at.
You can also use these metrics as tools to break down your resolutions into smaller pieces to determine what actions can you take next to start moving towards your resolutions.
Related, is that resolutions have the power of the automatic deadline. No matter where you may be with your resolutions at any point during the year, you know that December 31st is coming and .what you need to do to get there. By utilizing the timeline, you are able to keep track of your resolutions, maintain your momentum, and keep making progress.
Resolutions are a type of goal that everyone can benefit from. I am a bit biased, but I encourage you to decide to set resolutions for the new year. Start thinking about them and considering what they might be - or if you already know what you want, decide which ones you want to set in the new year!
Everyone wants something different, and the way they're going to get there is completely different, but I completely believe that resolutions can play a vital role.
My resolutions (well, following through on them) have been instrumental to transforming my life. And I know that they have the power to transform your life as well. I am passionate about helping people set and keep their resolutions to December 31st and beyond. That is why I do what I do. That is why I believe resolutions are so powerful and why I encourage you to set resolutions too.
And I know that I have the tools and tips and tricks and tactics to help you get exactly where you want to go, to overcome everything that's standing in your way, and to help you keep your resolutions. To find out more about how I can help you reach your goals (whatever they may be!), book your free consultation with me right here.
Until next time,