I always love a new year…it is so exciting!
To me, a new year is like a brand new play thing – something I can mold into whatever I want.
I can be who I want to be.
I can do what I say I will.
I can change what I want to change.
And you can do the same thing.
If you are someone who doesn’t make resolutions, I suggest you start. Why?
According to Statistic Brain, “people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals.”
Wow.
Clearly, it is important to take the effort to make a resolution. But do you know what one is?
Whether you make resolutions or not, I’m sure you are thinking, “Duh, Dana.”
But can you tell me the difference between a resolution and a goal?
Is one better than the other?
Do you know?
The actual definition of the word resolution is “a firm decision to do or not do something” while a goal is defined as “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.”
Goals are, by definition, centered on picking a specific point and aiming for it as best as you can.
You either hit it or you don’t.
It is black and white.
The effort you make toward hitting the goal isn’t recognized if you fall short – even if you make significant changes and get close – if you miss that number it is all for naught. (Don’t get me wrong, I love goals and think they are very important for you and your business. But they may not always be the answer.)
Personally, I really like the definition of a resolution:
“A firm decision to do or not do something.”
When you make a resolution, you can simply make the decision to be better at something, or be a little better each day.
Say you want to provide better service to your customers.
Big, sweeping changes take time and dedication. So what little change can you make consistently?
You could make a resolution to be a little more exceptional in your service each day, or to look for opportunities to provide exceptional service and act on at least one a day.
There isn’t really a clear cut “you did it” point, which is a lot like life.
You are consistently striving to be better, and making the conscious decision over and over again.
Eventually, it will become a habit, but you still put in continual effort to live in integrity with your decision.
A resolution drives you to continue to grow – a little bit at a time.
So, why do so few resolutions get kept?
I think there is a fundamental issue with the way most resolutions are worded.
The problem is people think of them like goals – “I want to lose 25 pounds” is a statement toward a goal, which can make it more difficult to achieve. And, let’s say you lose 20 pounds, which is awesome. Using a “resolution” like this one, you wouldn’t have felt successful. Which means you probably wouldn’t celebrate the achievement. Which means you will be more likely to relapse and go back to your old ways.
A resolution is more like, “I will drink at least 24oz of water each day” or “I will only put one packet of sugar in my coffee instead of two.”
Little changes that can be sustained lead to big resolutions.
I think resolutions and goals work well together (some solid resolutions can help you achieve a goal). But, it is important to know what they are and how they work together if you are going to achieve success.
So, I challenge you to make a resolution this year, and I can’t wait to hear it! Please share them in the comments so we can all support you.
Until then… stay passionate!
Happy 2016, Dana! My resolutions for 2016 are focused on my own health and the growth of my business. I am resolving to practice yoga daily along with a 10 minute meditation each morning (so far, so good!). In December, I had my best month ever and I am continuing to focus on connecting with the people who SHOW UP & WANT what I’ve got, rather than chasing after others & trying to convince them they want it – if I’m busy doing that, there’s no time/energy for the folks who are ready to step up!
Thanks for all you do! You are AWESOME!
Suzanne