The Resolution Make-Over

The Resolution Make-Over

Just when we feel ready to plop on the couch and
recuperate from the holiday celebrations, the pressure
is on to whip our personal and professional lives back
into shape – what timing!  No wonder people who choose
to set New Year’s resolutions on January 1 often lose
the momentum before we even get to Groundhog’s day!
Who has the energy to accomplish such lofty goals?

So, why the hype over resolutions?  Aren’t we just
setting ourselves up for failure?

This is a question I ask myself every year around this
time.  I would argue that resolutions, in their
current state, are an out-dated ritual that could use
an over-haul.  When you search the top 10 most popular
resolutions, they tend to be the same every year (find
a new job, lose weight, save money, quit smoking…).
Hmmm, with that in mind, I wonder if the same people
have the same resolution every year, or, are they
meeting one goal one year and then moving to the next
the following year?  If it is the latter, I am all for
the traditional resolution…if it is the former, there
is a significant problem with the process!
Unfortunately, I believe the former happens more than
the latter…same people, same resolutions.

While the intention behind resolutions is undoubtedly
positive, here are some suggestions I have to give
your traditional resolution ritual a makeover –

1.    Give yourself some breathing room after the holiday
madness to just “be” before rushing into a regimented
plan.  Having a clear mind and some rest will give you
a healthier starting point.  No need to subscribe to
the traditional Jan. 1 start date…create your own
schedule! 

2.    Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and
successes from 2007.  This may inspire you to take on
the next goal and fuel your confidence.

3.    Review the various aspects of your life to get a
sense of what feels fulfilled and what can use some
attention. 

4.    After looking at your life, determine the number
one thing that you want to work on – this is your
initial priority (as opposed to resolution) for 2008.
Top priorities (almost) always are met.  Things that
get accomplished in life usually are found in the #1
or #2 place on our priority list.

5.    Now it’s time to be honest…do you REALLY want what
you have identified as your priority?  If yes, proceed
to the next step…if not, return to #4.  To be
successful in meeting any goal, you must genuinely
want it.

6.    Once you have identified your 2008 top priority,
create an action plan with specific and realistic
steps.  You will also want to create deadlines for
each specific “to do” – enter these in your calendar
to keep you accountable. 

7.    Set aside time to work on your priority.
Allocating even a small amount of time regularly to
work on your goal will keep you moving forward.

8.    Incorporate your priority into your life, as
opposed to seeing it as something that you are just
working on because it is a new year.  If you truly
want to make a change or move forward, it must be part
of your life. 

9.    Let friends and family know about your priority –
they are great motivators and can help keep you on
track.

10.    Evaluate your progress monthly…are you moving
forward?  If not, what is stopping you?  Is your
priority still a desired priority?   If it is,
acknowledge your progress and keep on moving!

Now that I have shared the above resolution makeover,
I have to come clean - I can’t remember the last time
I set New Year’s resolutions!  Not to say that I don’t
practice what I preach…it’s just that I don’t wait for
New Year’s to set my intentions...goal setting usually
happens on an as needed basis throughout the year.
Setting and evaluating priorities throughout the year
(as opposed to once a year) is more realistic and
practical for me.

If you have a system that works for you, don’t change
a thing!  On the other hand, if you can identify with
the “same people, same resolution” scenario identified
above, it might just be time for a makeover!

However (and whenever) you choose to move your life
forward do what works best for you and try to have fun
in the process!

Ilene Schaffer, MA
www.IleneSchaffer.com