Is the Term ‘Resolution’ Strong Enough?
We are about a month into 2024, and I have been thinking a lot about my resolutions and
resolutions as a whole. Since we were young, we have been taught that every time a new year
rolls around, we must set a lofty resolution to accomplish in the upcoming year. Most of which we
forget about by March. While this tradition has its place, I feel like we can tweak the practice to
fit our lives better and lead to better success overall.
Firstly, let’s address the actual definition of ‘resolution’. The dictionary defines it as:
1. The act of resolving or determining upon an action, course of action, method, procedure, etc.
2. A resolve: a decision or determination
Now, to me, this doesn’t seem like something we should be basing our entire year on. In my opinion just because you make a decision doesn’t mean you are actually going to make a change. There is additional planning and work that needs to go into making large-scale changes that typically don’t come along with resolutions. Let’s look into some alternate options and planning steps.
Alternative Approaches to Resolutions
Traditionally, everyone sets a resolution like I want to lose 20 pounds! However, this is the type of goal
people easily get discouraged by or forget about. They are incredibly ambiguous. If you struggle
with these types of goals, try one of these options.
Option 1: Choose a word or theme for the year
This is one of my favorite ways to plan for the new year. I choose an overarching word for the
entire year. All of my goals and plans tie back into that one word. It is a great way to provide a
north star for all decisions you have to make. Beginning with something smaller like this allows you to build momentum for change.
Option 2: Focus on building habits
Habits are great building blocks for future goals. They allow you to take large goals and break
them up into more manageable achievements. New habits take about 90 days to form, so it is
feasible to build several new habits in a year so you can have a new routine ready to support
additional goals!
Option 3: Focus on being mindful
Nowadays, we are so involved in our digital lives that we forget about ourselves and the people
around us. Making it a focus to dial back into those around us can make us feel more
connected and rejuvenated. Live in the moment and see how it revitalizes you.
Setting the Resolution
No matter what route you choose for making a New Year’s resolution, it is so important to take the
time to set goals. The goals keep you moving forward in your professional and personal
development. It allows you to create a roadmap for the year ahead and maintain momentum to
make positive changes.
Once you decide what type of goal (or resolution, if you prefer that term) you want to set, you
have to think about what the goal is. The first step should always be reflecting on the
previous year. Take inventory of everything you accomplished through the year, and throw
yourself a little party! You deserve to celebrate your success.
Then, reflect on what didn’t go so well. This is where a list of improvement areas should start to form. After completing that list, look it over and start with 2 to 3 areas that stand out to you. Make sure you pick goals/resolutions that relate to your values and priorities. The more you personally connect to a goal, the more successful you will be.
After you have your primary goals, break them down into even smaller steps. Breaking your goals/resolutions into more manageable pieces removes the overwhelm that may come with staring down a significant goal. After all, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.
What Comes Next?
Setbacks and obstacles will occur; they are inevitable. Develop a strong support system around
you, and don’t be afraid to lean on them. The ones who love you want to see you succeed and
do whatever they can to help you succeed.
This year has 366 pages for us to write a new story—three hundred sixty-six chances to improve
ourselves and work towards where we want to be. Change is the only constant thing in life, so
let’s make that change work for us.
Leave your goals/resolutions below so we can support each other!
