Happy New Year?
It’s a little late to be wishing everyone a “Happy New Year!”, isn’t it? It depends on your point of view.
Each New Year brings New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are a staple of society. Goals are set, lists are written, and gyms are packed with people determined to meet new goals in the New Year. Congratulations! Right?
Not so fast. Usually by the third week of January, the gyms are less crowded (mine is for sure). Writing a list becomes too time consuming for many (I’m busy!), and goals are either forgotten or written off as unachievable.
What happened?
What happens is that people lose their enthusiasm. The excitement generated when initially setting a new goal is lost in the day-to-day effort required to meet the goal. Without the excitement and enthusiasm, achieving the goal suddenly seems “hard” or “stupid”.
New Year’s resolutions are a quick fix. Like most quick fixes, they are prone to failure. Fast failure.
January 5th may seem to be a bit early to be making this observation, and hopefully, it is. Hopefully, those that chose to make resolutions are still excited about seeing them through.
And therein lies the key — excitement! Goals aren’t “work” — goals are exciting! Goals reflect what’s important to us. If it’s important to you, how can it not be exciting?
When you really, truly want something, you’ll take great steps to get it. Look over that list of resolutions — are you still excited today like you were on the day you “resolved”? If you are, keep seeing the goal in your hands! See yourself achieving it; feel the sense of accomplishment; feel the pride and joy associated with the success. Feel it — you’re allowed!
If some of the excitement has worn off, take a step back and reevaluate. Is the goal still important to you? Does it need to be tweaked? Changing your mind is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of maturity!
Achieving a goal is not a once-a-year event. If you’re big on “resolutions”, then resolve to make new ones every day, week or month. You don’t need a new calendar as an excuse.
Goal setting, planning, and success are life long processes. Making a habit of setting and achieving your goals will make your life fuller and happier than any one-time resolution ever will.