Resolutions…Let’s Call Them Goals
2019 is almost over and this year was full of growth, learning and reflection. As a company, we have been working hard to define our products and establish our markets. We learned a lot about ourselves and our audiences, had many successes such as the launch of our Educator Success Microlearning Program, the release of our book “So, You Want To Be An Online Teacher?!”, and being award an RFP for Hospitality and Tourism curriculum from the state of Utah. As we look forward to the coming year, it is also a time for us to reflect on our challenges and lessons learned to build momentum and architect our destiny.
On a personal level, I find this time of year inspiring, full of possibilities. I almost always make resolutions to improve myself, my family, my home, and my work life often falling short because the resolutions are too lofty or spread across too many facets of my life. According to a CBS News article from 2016, “Most people have a toxic relationship with the term [New Year’s resolution]. So, from the beginning, we set ourselves up for failure because we know that anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of people are going to ultimately get off their path of resolution.”
This year, I want to simplify my resolutions, so I can celebrate the successes instead of beating myself up for not meeting such unrealistic goals. It turns out, there is a method to the madness:
Be Honest with Yourself: Identify a goal that is important and valuable to you, so you can set a goal from within.
Stick to One Thing: Find one thing on which to focus, master it, then move on to another goal, rather than trying to set many goals at once.
Make SMART Goals: Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based to keep you moving in the right direction.
Arrange Your Environment for Success: Depending on your goal, there are many ways to shape your environment to support your resolution. For example, If you have trouble getting up to go to the gym in the morning, try sleeping in your gym clothes to eliminate an excuse for skipping the gym.
Document Your Progress: Create a visual presentation of your progress, so you can quickly see improvements or trends. For example, use a calendar to check the days you met your goals, so if you see 5 days in a row achieved, you might be less likely to skip the 6th day.
Make Yourself Accountable: When other people are aware of your goals, it is often a motivator to keep going. Share goals with friends and loved ones, so you can also share your successes!
Celebrate Success and Be Compassionate with Yourself When You Slip: Figure out ways to be happy and joyful when you are doing it right, but don’t beat yourself up when you slip, just know you can get back on the right track even after momentary lapses.
So, what resolution are you planning for 2020? Will you focus on happiness, health, wealth, maintaining stress-free family time, or something else? Wishing you a Happy New Year, bursting with exciting opportunities. And remember, if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door!