January - a time of reflection or resolution?

What is it about January where we all feel like we have to make resolutions, then we are onto the resolution wheel of fortune where there are so many pitfalls if we don’t set out resolutions with more thought ?

We’ve all been there taking decisions about what we are going to change about our lives in the new year, be it diet, exercise, cutting out alcohol, new job, learn a new language, the list goes on.

The sense of possibility, hope and excitement as we set them quickly fades as we get to February and we just give up.

There can be many reasons why we don’t achieve and complete our resolutions, note that I don’t use the word “FAIL”

Overwhelm

We set ourselves goals that just feel to big and we feel overwhelmed about starting to get them and then get frustrated when we don’t see any progress and simply give up.

Too Vague

We set up resolutions which are not specific eg, lose weight - how much, by when?

Unrealistic

Goals we set are not going to be achievable, no matter how much we want them. We expect dramatic results in an unrealistic timeframes.

Not aligning with values

We set ourselves goals that actually don’t align with our values; getting a new job, but not considering how it will impact on other areas of life like family etc

Not Enjoyable

if we don’t set ourselves goals that bring us enjoyment then we are going to quickly become bored. There has to be a sense of fun about any goal or the fun that achieving a goal can provide

No Accountability

If we are not accountable for the goal that we set ourselves then we are more likely to cheat ourselves and not get to the end of the goal. It helps to have an accountability buddy to help encourage you, for example think about crowds and onlookers who help people get through the tough parts of a 5k, 10k or a marathon. We often hear that people are helped by the crowd, who kind of give people accountability to continue and get to the finishline.

Reflection:

We can turn that resolution pitfall wheel of fortune into a positive by using it in a different way, firstly by listing all the areas where we actually achieved something last year.

Resolution setting:

Using reflections from last year look at the areas that can be improved on and start setting resolutions in those areas.

Avoid the usual pitfalls and make those resolutions SMART:

Specific - be detailed in your goal

Measurable - how will you know when you have achieved it

Achievable - is the goal yours yo achieve

Realistic - is it realistic for you and aligned with your values

Timebound - a goal without a timeframe is simply a dream and will be unlikely to be achieved.