It’s not always easy to choose what the best thing is for one’s resolutions and priorities in deciding what is most important to chance in improve in life. This requires true reflection and understanding of one’s self.
Knowing Thy Self Helps to Make Resolutions Stick
Understanding one’s own values and how these affect the decisions that will be made in a given set of circumstances are of utmost importance. If a set of values doesn’t allow one to compromise in some areas, then that area is going to be difficult to adjust, even if there is a real desire to do so. Picture what life will be like (ideally) in three years or five years. What changes are there? These reflect the deeper desires and values, even if they are not at the surface of one’s behaviour in the present. Write this vision down. And then read it and try to understand what core values are within that vision that influences the desire to reach it. From this oen can build better New Year's Resolutions (or any time of year, for that matter).
Relate Actions to Values
Once the core values are understood, or at least acknowledged, then actions can be outlined to make a vision come true. Read the vision again. What actions can be taken to help reach this vision? Which ones are more likely to help reach the vision? These actions are a good starting point to set New Year’s resolutions. And these are the ones that require priority: list these actions. The underlying values that have been expressed in step one can be reinforced through positive action. Always state the actions in a positive manner. It’s much more heartening to state, “Do this thing well” than it is to state, “Don’t make this dumb mistake.” Try to think of positive ways to affirm all actions as they relate to the values in the vision.
Set Timelines and Realistic Measurable Objectives
A resolution rarely gets done if there isn’t a way to measure it. Sure, one can decide that this year’s resolution is to lose weight. But what good does it really do if there is nothing measurable? How much weight? And how is progress going to be measured? Losing 10 pounds a week is unrealistic. But losing one or two is not for most people. State actions that will help meet the objectives. If losing weight is a resolution, and the objective is to lose 4 pounds a month until at least 30 pounds are lost, then there has to be a way to do that. Find the underlying actions that will make this come true!
Write Down a Plan of Action for the Resolution
Once the priorities are set and actions required to meet these are understood, then a plan must be made. List the tasks in a logical order and make certain that the timelines for the completion of each task is listed with it. Post it somewhere where it will be used, then read it every day and follow it.
Read the vision for inspiration, as that is what will really motivate to keep on track! Keep that vision in mind every morning and every night. Read it when waking up and before going to sleep. And look at the values that it expresses, starting with the highest one. Then the priorities will be set and foremost in mind every day, making failure almost impossible. Then, and only then, will New Year's Resolutions become something that cannot fail.
The Whole Picture of Unfailing Resolutions
In order to choose New Year's Resolutions that will not fail a complete plan must be followed.
- Start with knowing and undestanding one's values and true desires. Self knowledge is the most difficult part, but the most important.
- Relate positive actions that can be made to one's internal value system so that a realistic resolution can be determined.
- Set realistic, measurable objectives for the resolution that include timelines
- Finalise the plan with specific tasks that are oriented directly towards the goal of the New Year's resolution, and give deadlines to complete each task.
If this outline is followed, not only will one be ble to find resolutions that are realistic, but they will be work and be completed!
Readers may also wish to learn more about goal setting and personal success.
RES101
Johanus Haidner - Johanus Haidner (BA, BEd, MBA) is a martial artist, writer, craftsman, artist and life coach in Edmonton, Alberta.
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