Making Resolution Work: Strategies for Achieving Your Goals
From next year I will Lose weight, stop eating sweets, exercise more, give up [some kind of addiction], will be more positive, study more, go on leisure travels, take care of my health, do some social work …..’ – these are some of the most common resolutions which we hear from many.
Two things are very common with most teenagers when it comes to New Year – Party planning and resolution. Rarely do we find people who are not thinking of this for weeks ahead of the actual event. It’s like having a New Year resolution is a must.
Funny enough, the plans we make are quite similar to the plans we made the years before. This is because, on New Year’s Eve, we realize that we did not manage to reach all the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year.
Although we often are quite sincere in setting up these plans for ourselves on New Year’s Day, we fail to execute them successfully throughout the following year. After a couple of weeks or months into the year, we tend to give up on the resolution that we made. Here are a few pointers:
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Just having a New Year’s resolution will not keep you motivated to fulfill your resolution. Before starting out or committing to a resolution, first decide if you are truly willing to make a change in your life.
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You have to strive for the goal for reasons that are internal to yourself, and not for reasons that are put upon you by others. When you decide on your resolution, make a plan of action and list the ways it will improve your life.
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Many usually do not come up with only one resolution; they come up with a list. A long list of resolutions can be confusing. Some of our plans may be related to each other and may hinder each other.
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In order for your resolution to be resolved, it must translate into clear steps that can be put into action. A good plan will tell you A) What to do next and B) What are all of the steps required to achieve the goal.
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Getting out of a bad habit is quite takes considerable effort because we are so used to performing the behavior. We often do not realize how much effort it is going to take to reach our goals; so be prepared for the relentless efforts.
Do not make resolves/goals that are unrealistic difficult to achieve or too big. Resolutions can be as simple as reading one book a month or trying to compliment or help someone on a daily basis sharing more and spending more time with parents/relatives gossiping less learning a new skill or spending qualitative time introspecting and reflecting about one’s own life.
it can also be interacting with people in your neighborhood or reducing waste and many such things that are closer to your life, doable, and valuable which will help you in becoming a better person.
Good resolutions can help to improve relationships, family life, and personal life. Have a Happy and happening New Year.
Suchitra Surve
Frequently Asked Questions related to making resolution work
Q1: What is the key to making resolutions work effectively?
A1: The key to making resolutions work effectively is setting clear, achievable goals, developing a plan, and staying committed to your objectives.
Q2: How can I choose the right resolutions to work on?
A2: Choose resolutions that are meaningful to you, align with your values, and are realistic. Focus on areas of your life that you genuinely want to improve.
Q3: What are some common reasons why resolutions fail?
A3: Resolutions often fail due to a lack of specificity, unrealistic expectations, insufficient planning, and a lack of commitment or accountability.
Q4: How can I stay motivated to work on my resolutions throughout the year?
A4: To stay motivated, break your resolutions into smaller, manageable steps, celebrate small victories, and track your progress. Consider sharing your goals with a friend or using apps to help you stay on track.
Q5: Is it better to work on one resolution at a time or multiple resolutions simultaneously?
A5: It’s often more effective to focus on one resolution at a time. This allows you to give your full attention and effort to each goal, increasing the chances of success.
Q6: How can I overcome setbacks and obstacles when working on my resolutions?
A6: Expect setbacks, and view them as opportunities to learn and adjust your approach. Be flexible and persistent in pursuing your goals.
Q7: What role does accountability play in making resolutions work?
A7: Accountability can be a significant factor in resolution success. Share your goals with a trusted friend or use accountability tools to help you stay committed and on track.
Q8: Are there specific strategies for maintaining resolutions in the long term?
A8: Yes, long-term success involves developing new habits and integrating your resolutions into your daily routine. Consistency and patience are key.
Q9: Can I seek professional help or guidance to work on certain resolutions, such as fitness or financial goals?
A9: Absolutely. Seeking professional help or guidance, such as a personal trainer or financial advisor, can be a valuable step in achieving specific resolutions.
Q10: How can I measure my progress and determine whether I’m making my resolutions work?
A10: Measure your progress by setting specific milestones and using metrics or tracking tools related to your resolutions. Regularly review your progress to gauge your success.
