Can we just talk about this New Year’s Resolution Thing?
It’s January 4th and because I’m on (just a few) personal development e-mail lists I’ve seen (just a few) free offers, checklists & blog posts on goal-setting for the New Year. Some are good, some are cheesy. Then there’s Weight Watchers…
I’m a fan of setting goals – short-term and long-term. I’ve researched it to death, I’ve paid for classes, I know how to do it, I’ve taught SMART Goals for years. I still giggle a little inside when we talk about “Baby Steps” and “Quantum Leaps.”
However, here’s where I think we are missing the boat.
There’s just not a one-size-fits-all approach that works.
By the time you are in your 40’s & 50’s you’ve had a few New Year’s Resolutions or set goals & had colossal failures. You’ve also had many successes.
Take 15 Minutes
Questions for you to ponder and then take appropriate action:
When I’ve set myself a goal and MET it, to what do I attribute my success?
When I’ve set a goal and NOT met it, what happened?
Do I know myself well enough to know when I’m setting myself up for failure, and where I can really make positive changes?
Factors in achieving or not achieving goals include, but are not limited to:
- accountability/support
- structure
- commitment
- consistency
- action
- being driven by fear instead of passion
- how goal is or isn’t consistent with my value system
- not prepared when obstacles showed up (and they will) and getting discouraged
- competing goals/values that consumed energy and attention
- taking the process Way Too Seriously
I loved this recipe for success because it resonated with me deeply. (I’ve learned to pay attention when this happens.) It’s consistent with my own experience and a great reminder for me of what works.
So today, I hope you remember these things:
Honor that success isn’t always linear
“Failure” is an option because we learn from it and grow
Intention counts
We can all use help and encouragement on our Journey (and it doesn’t always come from a free app on our phone)
Please share your own ideas on the topic in the Comments below; I want to know what works or doesn’t work or sort of works for you!
