It would seem odd that a girl who is all about goals and life accomplishments would suggest that you don't make New Year's resolutions. However, I am, in fact, suggesting just that. Don't make New Year's resolutions. I always wonder why people wait till January 1st to make a significant change in their life. Why put off what is important to you today, till January 1st?
Resolutions generally indicate that you state, decide, perhaps share with friends/family an objective that you are trying to reach in this new year to come. Why do I think this is a bad idea? A resolution is merely a goal, isn't it? Well, yes and no.
By definition, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, a resolution is, "a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group." While a goal is, "the end toward which effort is directed : aim" AND aim is, "the directing of effort toward a goal."
When we look closely at the definitions, we can see there is a clear distinction. A formal expression of an opinon OR the end toward which effort is directed. These are two very different things. The main difference between goals and resolutions, in my opinion, lie in these differences:
A goal has clearly delineated, small steps that one needs to take to accomplish said goal.
These small steps are noted down/made visual and checked/marked off when one accomplishes a step to mark progress towards said goal.
A goal is an objective that people have a burning desire to accomplish and will stop at nothing to fulfill.
A goal requires significant action toward change, devotion and willingness to make that change.
Before the New Year is complete, I challenge you to stop and think about whether or not you've made a resolution or a goal? Did you simply make a resolution because everyone else is doing it or are you doing it for you? If you've made a resolution, I challenge to you reevaluate this resolution. Decide if your resolution can be made a goal - are you completely dedicated, are you willing to sacrifice and make change, are you able to say you will dedicate yourself 100%?
If you are in fact making a goal, I propose that you write down your goal and note small steps you will take to accomplish that goal. Put down dates by which you would like to complete these small steps. Finally, and most importantly, put this in a place that you will see it DAILY to remind yourself of what you are working towards! Make it a checklist if you like so that you can SEE what you've accomplished. Give yourself a little treat when you've accomplished each step!
And for next year, PLEASE don't make your goal a New Year's resolution. When you have a goal, start it right away. Life is too short to not be working towards your goals. Every day is a gift, use them wisely.
What will I be doing this long weekend? Looking at my old goal board, seeing what I have done and still have yet to accomplish and making a new one. I will be making a list of new goals and I certainly already have small steps noted. I will be talking more about this in an upcoming post.
I wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year!
May you make big goals and achieve them all!
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