From Resolutions to Goals

Over the years just like a lot of people I have made more than a few, “New Year Resolutions” to kick off the new year. Then just as quickly as it was made I would end up breaking it but my biggest mistake was yet to come. Immediately after making the resolution I would post or tell people about it. Well imagine what happened next, I broke it. That was now a big problem because the moment I broke it I would be so ashamed especially since I had already told everyone about it.

Some time ago I remember listening to a motivational speaker giving advice on self improvement. He suggested that in order to succeed, not to share because "Your next move is no one's business but your own”. In light of my past failures this statement made so much sense. I had been guilty of over sharing in the past. I had to learn to curve my excitement and desire to share when I became excited about something. Since for me, that had always ended up being a big mistake! Change was inevitable and three years ago I decided to start my year off by just setting goals. I figure that the first goal should be something small that's attainable. When you reach this goal, celebrate. Small achievements can motivate you to keep pursuing your other goals.

Example: Purge your closet of items that you no longer wear. Remove things that do not fit, still have tags after a year of owning or don't peak your interest. The second goal should be something that you have to work on short term. This goal should require a bit of work but should take no longer than six months to achieve. Example: Take an online course to get a certification. Courses are usually 6 to 8 weeks long before you sit for the exam if an exam is required. The third and final goal is your long term goal. This one usually trips people up because of the time and dedication it requires to be completed. Give yourself time. You can complete this goal, you just have to learn to be consistent. Example: Lose thirty pounds or change your lifestyle and become healthier.

When your goal requires a drastic change give yourself time. You will start and stop but this is normal. You have to teach yourself consistency and realize that extreme changes like this take time. They say that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. I call bullshit. I have dieted for 21 days and still not been able to stick with it. In my opinion when you set a goal you understand that you will potentially fall off or fail at some point. The real testament to achieving any goal is perseverance. You have to keep going. In my experience, the best way to reach goals is to keep them to yourself. No one wants an audience when they fail. At the end of the day if you want something badly enough you will do whatever is needed to achieve that goal. Remove the added pressure by not sharing everything with others. Sometimes, leaving things between you and God is all you need to succeed.

Happy New Year!