When considering the approach the the new year, people often reflect on what went well in the year previous and what didn’t. From here, a resolve or plan forms to improve life during the next twelve months.
It’s quite common to make resolutions only to find that twelve months down the road, none of these goals were achieved. This results in disappointment but the promise to oneself to try harder for the next year. And so the cycle continues.
There are a few key methods that can greatly increase the chance of success when it comes to achieving New Year's resolutions. To increase the likelihood of resolutions being achieved, consider: accountability, writing down goals, being specific and starting sooner rather than later.
Being Accountable to Someone
Telling one or more friends specifically what the set goals are increases the likelihood of them being carried out. Having someone who is aware of the goals makes this decision to change, improve or start something new more real. This is especially so if the friend is working towards a similar goal or able to encourage the realisation of this resolution.
For example if the goal is to be more physically active then a walking partner is more inclined to help this happen. Perhaps the resolution is to learn a new instrument – a friend who already plays can guide and encourage this goal, already being familiar with what is required to attain such a skill.
Specifically Listing Goals for the New Year
Writing out the goals or New Year’s Resolutions and putting them somewhere where they are consistently in sight can help to keep the resolutions fresh in one's mind. A great place is on the fridge where they will be seen daily.
The act of writing out New Year’s Resolutions in itself improves the likelihood of these goals being achieved, making the creator instantly accountable. They are no longer an idea that hasn’t been shared with anyone. Often people avoid writing out the goals in the first place due to a fear of not succeeding. This in itself is a negative attitude and can be the deciding factor in not achieving resolutions.
Having goals listed out in the open also invites others to read and ask about them; perhaps it will even encourage them to make some resolutions of their own. Being precise about these goals increases the risk of failure but gives the creator something very specific to work towards. Such a focused goal helps to set steps into place that will see it achieved.
Avoid Procrastinating When Working Toward New Year's Resolutions
Procrastination is not a good way to go about achieving goals. Once a resolution has been decided upon and written down, the focus should turn to the next step to see it realised. Starting sooner rather than later increases the chances of the resolution being completed. This also allows for one to progress perhaps that little bit further throughout the year than was thought possible.
So how to increase the likelihood of success with New Year’s Resolutions? Have a think about what should be achieved in the next twelve months and take the first step of writing them down. Throw in something fun, make sure the list isn’t too comprehensive — pick three to six goals — and then get excited about them and tell someone. Perhaps they can help determine the next practical step in realising these goals.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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