New Year Resolutions Are Worthless

If you haven’t been watching the calendar, the first quarter of 2009 has come and gone. It was way back in January that we heard those famous words “New Year Resolution” that make me cringe. If you have made some that’s great, but where are they now? When was the last time in December you said “let me pull up my new year resolutions from last year and see how I did?”

The reason you are still trying to answer that last question is because resolutions are these things that you come up with because you feel you have a new year to start fresh. However, the fact remains that counting down to midnight on night of the year does not transform you from the person you were the year before. Additionally, goals should not be tied to the calendar year. You can come up with new goals at any time. This week you are going to set goals for yourself. Please beware; I may have a different definition of goals than you do. For me goals are 1) written down, 2) come with action plans, and 3) are reviewed often.

To get you on your way, I challenge each of you to take out a blank piece of paper, write down what you would like to accomplish this year and I’d also like you to consider three things you would like to stop doing this year (i.e. interrupting people). The goals can be as grand or as small as you choose, but remember “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” I’d ask you to consider setting goals that are slightly beyond your reach and will push you to grow and be challenged more so than you are used to. I have 12 this year in addition to my personal development plan.

As a guideline your goals should follow the S.M.A.R.T. outline.

Specific: Do you know exactly what you want to accomplish with all the details? (For my goal, I’m not Al Gore, I’m just trying to show people simple ways to help the environment).

Measurable: Are you able to assess your progress? (This is where an action plan and baby steps to a big goal are very helpful).

Attainable: Is your goal within your reach given your current situation? (In college I had a goal to improve my GPA, how much I wanted to improve it was less attainable than solving world hunger)

Relevant: Is your goal relevant towards your purpose in life? (This is where you may realize your current job does not fit your passions, be prepared)

Time-Sensitive: What is the deadline for completing your goal? (Don’t get fixated on taking the entire year to accomplish something, I already accomplished one of my goals – ski 20 days).

For each goal identify the action steps you will need to take to achieving them. Saying you are going to “get fit” and not writing down how you plan to get fit is not an effective way of writing a goal. What good is driving to a destination without directions? Write down your directions to getting to your goal. Finally, put reminders on your calendar to review your goals. I do this every Friday morning (and you thought I was just sleeping in when I didn’t answer your phone call). You may also want to write them on an index card and put them in your wallet or purse. You could type them out and laminate them. Don’t let them go out of site or out of mind until December.

Just like driving, don’t be discouraged if you need to make a few extra turns or even a u-turn. Go get them! If you need help, let me know.