Here is Why I Don’t Believe Only in Resolutions
3 Tips to make the next year Memorable!
Yes! I said it! Loud and Clear! I don’t believe in Resolutions! Now, before you go haywire with this statement, I shall contextualize it.
What is a Resolution?
According to the Dictionary (or the first search result on Google), a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. It can also mean the quality of being determined or resolute. Such an approach serves as a groundwork for self-motivation and self-discipline. But that’s it. A groundwork! A precipice! A foundation!
But I don’t think anyone wants to move to a foundation. You and I want to move to a fully built house, with the decor of your desire and the amenities of your choice. So while resolution can indicate a foundation, goal setting is the builder of your foundation.
Resolutions are significant but need to be improved. Resolution eviscerates you from having an action plan to materialize them. So January comes and your energy to keep these resolutions is solid. But your energy debilitates as the months go by because a paradox hasn’t been attended to. The paradox is:
There is the will, but there is no way!
What is goal setting?
Now a goal according to a Dictionary (a real one, this time) means the end toward which effort is directed. See that? Effort is involved. Effort is elusive in the definition of resolution. And because of this absence, resolutions become fleeting. So, my dear reader, let’s try goal-setting this year.
What is goal setting? According to Wikipedia, Goal setting involves the development of an action plan designed to motivate and guide a person or group toward a goal. Does that sound more proactive and intentional?
I agree! It does! So here are three (3) tips to make the next year more productive
- Find your Theory
- Apply the SMART model
- Enjoy the process
1. Find your Theory
There are various approaches to setting your goals for the next year. I appreciate the three methods Ali Abshaal explained in his video below. Please watch, amongst other options, and see what resonates with you. The Wheel of Life and Ideal Week sat with me better. The Wheel of Life encourages you to divide aspects of your life into 3 segments. Then we divide them into subsegments and rate them based on their current status. You then specify your goals for each of these segments. And voila! The Ideal Week format can serve as a way of materializing your “Wheel of Life” goals into daily and weekly commitments. Please watch for further info!
2. Apply the SMART model
I understand that this SMART approach has been harnessed quite a lot in academia, business, career, and more. And to be honest, I do find it quite efficient. Your resolution might be to be healthier next year. Cool! Let’s turn that into a SMART resolution.
- Drink water more times a day (Specific)
- Try 7 new gut health-friendly recipes (Measurable)
- Drink 3 more glasses of water when I work from home (Achievable)
- Try Home Pilates 3 times a week, since I am not close to any gym (Realizable)
- Measure my difference in weight by 30 April 2024 (Time Bound)
Now that’s the vibe. 😜
(Bonus) Manage your Expectations
A derivative of the SMART approach is the fact that “A”, “R” and “T” in it, help you manage your expectations. A flat resolution can tend to be very fantasy-based. Now, don’t get me wrong. Dream big! By all means! But I think a resolution is better kept when current circumstances and resources are always considered. You are then in a better position to find possibilities and be drawn to opportunities
3. Enjoy the Process
It’s pivotal that you enjoy the process of achieving your goals. Results can take a while to manifest. When you are too result-oriented, your joy is sapped and your impatience sets in because it just taking too long to build that muscle in the gym. While goals can serve as a guide, life is happening. So enjoy it.
For instance, if, on holiday, you are using Google Maps to navigate through a city you have never been before and it’s taking long to get to your destination, you won’t sit there frustrated. You are on a trip. So you would probably pick a sit next to the window, to have a clear view of the bus. You would probably eavesdrop and be curious about conversations around you in the local language. You could even take a selfie with your travel buddy. Thus, you enjoy the journey. So see goals as your “Google Maps” and the process as your “journey”.
So folks, enjoy the next chapter of your life, purposefully.
There is a will (resolutions) and there is also a way (goal setting) 😜
Take care, my dear reader.
Feel free to entertain yourself with love stories.