New Year’s Resolutions. To Set Them…or Not?

Happy New Year! Can you believe it’s 2023.

This time of year gets a bad rap for so many reasons. In fact, you are probably being bombarded from every angle with “resolution” messages. I’m sure your inner cynic is rolling its eyes! (Mine is).

As for resolutions. Some people set them every year, others don’t. I’m not a big fan. I believe it’s time to move past them. To do something different…and better.

At the base level, there’s no right or wrong way to transition from one year to the next. It’s more about what’s working for you, and what’s not.

Should you set a New Year's Resolution?

For me, I love this time of year. I view the end/start of the year as a natural break. I like the “blank slate” approach, and use the holidays as a great opportunity to step back, gain perspective on the past year, and adjust my focus for the coming year.

Whatever label is placed on the process, or whether we can even admit it to ourselves, I believe that every human has a future state of being they aspire to. The important part is what we do with that aspiration. It may not even be a vision at that point..perhaps just a flash or glimpse.

What vision of the future do you have?

Does that vision flit through your mind, and then get stuffed back into your subconscious so quickly that you forget it was even there? Do you entertain the vision for a while, and then write it off as a dream or fantasy, only to be pulled out when your mind tires of the “daily grind”? Do you feel great energy from your dream and start to take action, only to get sidetracked and overwhelmed with the busyness of daily life?

Or, do you do something different…Like those rare people you see thriving, accomplishing great things, and seemingly living your dreams?

The ones that have a clear, compelling vision for their future. The ones that put a solid plan in place to reach their vision. The ones who commit to taking action each and every day towards their vision. The ones that keep shifting, adjusting, and adapting to ensure they stay on track to their goals, regardless of the challenges they face along the way.

These people aren’t special. They aren’t smarter. They don’t have more willpower. They simply have a different mindset and approach. They also rarely do it alone. They have a support system, people “in their corner”, people who call BS on their excuses and ask tough questions to help them refocus and reconnect to their vision along the way.

Whether it’s a friend, mentor, or coach, having this support is critical to doing the work needed for long term success. So, I will put my coaching hat on for a few minutes and pose these questions for you: 

  • What do you want this year to look like for you?
  • What are the biggest goals you are working towards?
  • What matters most to you at this phase in life, and how do your goals and actions align?
  • Fast forward 365 days…What are you most proud of accomplishing? What changes did you make? What challenges did you overcome? What value did you provide to: Yourself? Your family? Your friends? Your work? Your community?

These are questions only YOU can answer.

Sadly, few people take these questions seriously or carve out time to really think about their answers to them. Even fewer people put in the work needed to truly connect with their vision, feel the excitement that comes with that envisioned future, and then put a plan in place to make it happen.

The majority of people we see each day are simply reacting. They are letting life happen to them. Sure, many people set goals and make resolutions, but those typically begin collecting dust by February.

In fact, the numbers show that only 8% of people who set resolutions will accomplish them. Yet, it’s not from a lack of desire, will, intelligence, or vision. The majority of this failure comes down to two simple things: Clarity and consistency.

Getting crystal clear on your vision and defining the necessary steps is just as important as taking consistent, focussed action towards that vision. They are two sides of the same coin. This is where the magic happens. A bit of extra work in these areas is what separates the 8% that accomplish their objectives vs. the 92% that don’t.

With goals and resolutions, It’s common for people to do a lot of the work, but get almost none of the results. The key is to start by doing the 20% of the work that will produce 80% or more of the results.

Did you answer the questions above? They are part of that 20%.

If not, that’s OK. Perhaps now isn’t the time for you. When you are ready to create positive change in your life, take time to answer them in detail.

Some people aren’t even sure HOW to answer the questions, or where to start. That’s OK too. It’s where a coach can be of great value. A coach can help draw out unique insights, help you go deeper than your initial responses (which are rarely the real reasons), and think about your answers in a new way.

When you are ready for positive change, you want to experience a transformation, and you are tired of repeating the same pattern every year, let’s talk.

As we kick off the new year, I have opened my schedule for three new clients who are interested in having their best year ever. These clients are doing well externally, yet want more energy, fulfillment, and purpose from their life.

They want to invest in clarifying their vision, creating a plan, taking strategic action, and having a thought partner and performance coach with them throughout the year so they can realize that vision faster and more effectively than they could on their own.

How does this sound to you?

Message me to apply for a spot. 

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