Don't Make New Year's Resolutions This Year
Resolve to Make Next Year Better at Any Time During the Year
Dec 5, 2008
Every January, people decide to lose weight, quit smoking or make a similar big change. For real success, start today to reach a goal within a year.
Benefits of New Year’s Resolutions
There are several benefits of making New Year’s resolutions. Taking the time to consider which areas are lacking or what improvements are needed can be time well spent. Reflecting on whether the current situation adequately reflects a person’s true core values and priorities can focus attention on what is missing or what is too abundant.
Downsides of New Year’s Resolutions
Despite the benefits of New Year’s resolutions, it can be hard to go “cold turkey” or change habits in a matter of weeks. Focusing so much attention on what to give up or not do can make the activity more attractive or encourage feelings of being deprived. Spending time contemplating how life is lacking or what is missing can cause a negative spiral of thoughts and emotions that discourage positive movement.
A Better Way to a Life Change
There is a better way to make a substantial life change, without using New Year’s resolutions. This process can be done at any time during the year, even at the end of December when there is an emphasis on self-improvement. Consider what area needs improvement or change and what that change would look like a year from now. Focus on the positive part of that change. For example, a smoker would say, "By this time next year I’ll be a non-smoker," instead of, “I’m giving up cigarettes for my New Year’s resolution.” Someone starting an exercise regimen would say, “By this time next year, I’ll be able to walk 2 miles.” Instead of, “This New Year’s I’m resolving to go to the gym three days a week.” Regardless of whether the change is big or small, personal or professional, there is a way to frame it so it is positive and looking forward.
Look Ahead for Prosperity
Looking forward to success makes it easier to break down all the small steps needed to achieve the goal. In order to meet to goal of being smoke-free by this time next year, a smoker might reduce the number of cigarettes over a few weeks or months. He might take the time to research anti-smoking methods or set up a doctor’s appointment. A person wanting to change jobs or careers might spend a month reading classifieds, working on a resume or looking for open positions with the current employer. Someone wanting to save money might put a little away each month. Each small step in the right direction is another success instead of each failure being the end of the New Year’s resolution.
Easier to Not Give Up
Focusing one year ahead also allows for the natural backsliding that can occur when trying to break a habit or make a change. A person who makes a New Year’s resolution to go to the gym three days a week may decide to give up if a flu bug or family situation gets in the way of this plan. The person is failing to meet the terms of the New Year’s resolution. A person who sets a goal of being able to walk 2 miles by next January, however, can face a small set back and still be working toward the goal. Maybe it was necessary to take a month off from the gym, but the small improvements that were seen at first are stepping stones to meeting the final goal.
Relying on New Year’s resolutions is not the best way to make a life-changing decision. Set a goal to be reached in one year and remain focused on the steps necessary to reach the goal.
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