Welcome to 2017! Now that the holidays are over, most of us are in that "new year, new me" mentality. People are dieting, gym memberships are skyrocketing, people are trying to change their ways, or even buckle down and save money. However, I have renounced the spectacle of new years resolutions a long time ago. They tend to set everyone up to fail. People are enthusiastic about their goals for a couple weeks maybe, then by the end of January or the beginning of February, that resolution is out the window. That is why I do not make resolutions, I make goals.
You may be thinking what is the difference between a goal and a resolution? Resolution is defined as " a firm decision to do or not to do something". A goal on the other hand is defined as "the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired effort." There is a stark contrast of the two. A resolution being a decision where as a goal is a process. Goals are typically more involved and intricate. Most tend to make a resolution and thats all that is involved. Plans will not be made. It will not be broken down into more manageable steps. A decision/resolution is a once and done matter. Goals require effort, they require a process as well as the art of setting a proper goal.
As part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, they teach you how to adequately set a goal. The NSLS uses the acronym SMART to effectively make a goal. S stands for specific. M stands for measurable. A stands for attainable. R stands for relevant. T stands for timely. Using these five attributes can help you set an effective, attainable goal.
I am not bashing those that make resolutions. I am all for it if making resolutions is what helps you achieve your goals. Who I am to judge? I do encourage those that have struggled with resolutions in the past to sit down and make one big goal and then break it down into achievable monthly or quarterly goals. 2017 is a brand new year with much potential. This is the year we make changes for the better. Let's make the most of what we can.
