Resolutions? Yay or Nay?
I’m not one to shy away from controversial topics. Cake or cookies? Red or white wine? White lights or colored lights for the holidays? Resolutions – yay or nay?
Yes, I am joking (sort of…I mean, come on…we all know that white lights are the best) – but when it comes to making resolutions, some of you have some pretty strong opinions about them.
I’m going to be honest…I’m not on the resolution bandwagon. But I want you to hear me out as to why.
The Definition of a Resolution
A resolution is defined as: a firm decision to do or not do something.
That seems harmless enough – until you compare it to what I can get behind…and that’s a goal.
The Definition of a Goal
A goal is defined as: the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
Are They All That Different?
“Brenda…are they really that different?”
Yes…and maybe it’s not evident from the definitions, but let’s delve into them a bit deeper.
Resolutions are often these statements we make with the intention of changing something in our personal life.
I’m going to go to the gym more often.
I’m going to lose weight.
I’m going to spend more time with my family.
I’m going to make more money.
They all sound like good things.
Resolutions are Vague
But guess what? More often than not, there’s no plan attached to them. They’re vague. They have no real consequences. They have no accountability. They’re often started on an arbitrary day – like January 1st or a Monday. (You know what I’m talking about! You find yourself saying, “On Monday, I’m going to go to the gym!”) And they’re easy to cast aside when you find yourself the slightest bit off course and not able to do what you said.
Nowadays, there’s even a negative feeling that’s evoked when you start talking about making a resolution. It’s because, too often, we don’t frame resolutions in a positive manner. More often than not, they’re about changing things we don’t like about ourselves. And is that any way to start off something you want to accomplish?
Goal Is Positive
But goals…goals are where it’s at.
A goal is positive.
A goal requires a plan.
A goal holds you accountable because it’s able to be measured.
A goal is precise and concise.
A goal can be modified when things aren’t going as planned.
And those are all good things.
Make Your Goals S.M.A.R.T.
This year make GOALS! And use that mnemonic acronym S.M.A.R.T. to help you do it!
S – Specific – Decide exactly what you want to do. Instead of “just get in shape,” – state that you want to run a 10K. Instead of “make more money,” – state exactly how much more you want to make.
M – Measurable – Make sure you have some way of measuring your goals.
A – Attainable – Your goal(s) has to be realistic. Yes, you might be really excited about what you want to do – but there needs to be some checks and balances in place to make sure it can really happen.
R – Relevant – Remember in my earlier blog where I talked about living your values and being authentic – make sure your goals are relevant to you. Make sure they align with your values and beliefs and will allow you to be your true self.
T – Time-bound – Yes, you’ve got to tie your goals to some specific dates. Dates are a driving force to making goals happen.
Make Some Goals
For 2022, let’s let the resolutions slide and instead make some goals and get ready to kick ass!
And hey – if you need an accountability partner – just send me a message! I’d love to know what you’ve got planned for yourself this year – and I’m here to help you make it happen!