2013 is fast approaching and you somehow feel the super-optimistic urge to create a mile-long list of new year’s resolution that aren’t going to be realized anyway.
Yes you feel like this year is your year! You will be funnier, sexier and of course more successful. What about your weight? Your Zumba classes will take care of that. You will most likely plan to be less selfish, perhaps practice self-control with your spending, eating healthier and so on.
Having resolutions for the new year is a particularly human need, we strive for improvement and success and the beginning of a new year seems to be the right time for doing so. But you fail to stick to your new year’s resolution every single year and only because you set yourself up for failure.
Are you guilty of the following? Then there’s no wondering why you fail, year after year!
What you’re doing wrong
Too many goals. Anything beyond five goals is a recipe for disaster. Having such a long list will frustrate more than it will motivate you.
Unrealistic expectations. Our ridiculous optimism makes us promise things we cannot possibly realize. Getting a new house and a new car is never a good goal combination!
Waiting for the new year to motivate yourself to change. Why does it have to be the beginning of the year anyway? Why not set new goals in March or September? There’s no reasonably justified way to only make resolutions on new year’s.
Not well-thought-of resolutions. They are often vague or contradicting with other goals. Think of your goal to become a pro dancer and get your Ph.D before 2014. Yep, bound to fail.
What to do instead
Have less goals. Get two, or three goals the most. Keep your list short and feasible. Having a clear mission will make it easier to realize.
Make them short-term. Choose resolutions that are doable in a few months or less than a year. This will keep you motivated.
Make them simple and doable. Don’t fall into the trap of creating multi-sided goals. Keep them clear and singular. Beware of multiple goals disguised as a single one like the infamous, “be healthier”.
Have team resolution goals. Your friends will act as your motivation and you will be theirs too for all those I’m-giving-up moments.
Good Luck!