It is the time of the year when a stream of articles and conversations emerges about New Year's Resolutions for the upcoming year. There are some popular options, such as weight loss or being a "better" person or traveling. There are some less popular ones that are usually just very specific. Either way, various published sources agree that somewhere over half of these resolutions fail. Why?
It all starts with how reasonable of a resolution you set for yourself. Run a 10K under an hour if the longest walk you have done in the past year was from one end of the grocery store to the other? This is technically possible to achieve, but the level of training that would need to go into achieving this goal is likely out of this person's comfort zone. Or let's take someone who works long hours saying they will go to the gym every day. Realistically, this person will likely become overwhelmed with obligations and quit somewhere in mid-February. Think about your schedule and abilities before setting a goal. It should be realistic and feasible.
Next, a schedule. You should break up your goal into small chunks that can be achieved day by day or week by week. Facing one huge mountain is much more daunting and discouraging than small ever-ascending hills. Fulfilling those small steps will boost your motivation and confidence to keep going and reach the next peak. Eventually, you will make it to the top.
Now, dedication. What will you do on the days when you just do not want to do what you said that you would? Having motivation is great, but when that fails you, you need dedication to pull you through. You need to have some plan to follow for those days when you feel like lazying around. The longer you stay in a slump, the less likely you are to return to your goal, so you will dump it completely. Adherence to the plan will serve you best on the days you feel like doing the least.
So why do so many resolutions fail? People fail at one of the above steps. I have fulfilled and failed my share of resolutions. I have found a system that works for me, and I have discovered what does not work along the way. If you choose to make a New Year's resolution for 2017, just remember that, like with any goal you set in life, dedication lasts far longer than a dream. And for those of you who will not be making a resolution, remember that if you do not set expectations, you will not be disappointed. Either way, have a wonderful holiday season!
