Why resolutions don't work for me
I set intentions every year and this year is no different, but I gave up setting a long list of resolutions years ago.
I have learned that I do better with deadlines, I need a big goal to work toward and a few smaller, easy to reach goals.
Last year, I set out to:
write two books and publish one
to maintain my weight loss from the year before
start working out more regularly
to start a podcast
read 24 books
to start a new coaching business
earn a living writing
When I look back on 2020 and these goals, I don’t feel discouraged that I didn’t write both books. I published one!
I did maintain my weight loss for the most part and I technically began working out more often. I will admit I spent most days in workout clothes without actually getting a work out in, but I have a cute new workout wardrobe and new running shoes now, too! I never set out to be a serious athlete, so this “athleisure” lifestyle works for me.
I didn’t come close to reading 24 books - I only finished 11, but that was better than the 6 I read in 2019. I count that as a win.
I didn’t start my podcast, but I did get my feet wet with 3 interviews on podcasts at the end of the year.
I started my new business and I am earning a living with my writing.
All in all, I would say 2020 goal setting was a successful endeavor, but I think the real success comes from how we view our progress. I could easily say I suck at setting resolutions and feel like a failure because I didn’t write the second book or start my podcast. Let’s face it, though, those are big goals! To say I challenge myself would be an understatement. I find so much value in small wins along the way. I try to balance my new year goals so I have some real challenges ahead of me, but also set myself up for feeling like I’m making some progress along the way.
I haven’t found that a long list of resolutions works well for me. Setting out to suddenly be an active person who works out daily or becoming vegan overnight hasn’t been my path to success. I don’t see this being a great strategy for others either. Setting intentions, choosing appropriate goals and working toward those all year long, does tend to work out better. Setting deadlines, holding myself accountable and recognizing what I actually accomplish leaves me feeling more successful overall.
Here are the recommendations I have for each new year:
Choose 1 to 3 big goals
Choose 3 to 5 smaller goals
Identify habits that need to go
Break each down into realistic steps
Keep track of your wins
Monthly check ins
Here’s the thing. We all need something to work toward. Having goals for improving your life leaves you with a sense of purpose. How are you creating a better version of yourself? How are you building a life that you love? Big changes take time. Creating opportunities to feel like you are making progress along the way makes a significant difference. Give yourself some easy lobs - it’s good for morale.
Your goal should be self improvement, not to become a completely new person overnight. Setting lofty goals can be fun, but being realistic on what’s possible in the short term helps, too. Taking time to recognize what you do get done really matters. How are you a better person today than you were in January 2020? That deserves celebration. Making progress is the goal. Just like the FWTFL motto says: Progress over Perfection.
If you need help with accountability, that’s where a coach, a new program or peer partners make a huge difference. Create ways to be successful and get help where you need it. My coaching programs are designed to meet you where you are. Do you just need a monthly checkin and periodic accountability? I got you. Need someone to help you set goals and track your progress weekly? I have a program for that too.