Avoiding A New Year’s Disillusion

After the holidays, most of us begin to spend time thinking about and setting our resolutions for the New Year.

And although this is a wonderful practice, the problem is that most of us often fail to first get back to the basics before setting these goals. No surprise—we do too much, too soon, and end up disappointed. 

How can we stop creating disillusions and start making some real change? By being honest with ourselves about where we are and setting goals that will help us to build upon small successes over time. It’s not just about setting any goal—it’s about setting the right goal. Why is this important? Because when we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep walking.

Let’s break it down!

• Write down the goal you’d like to set as a resolution.
• Write three steps, in order, that you can take to achieve this goal.
• Choose two things or strategies you can do to achieve step one of the three steps you’ve just written down.  Write them down.
• Highlight one of the last two things or strategies from above that you are most likely to do.
• The highlighted item is your goal. This begins your roadmap.

​Example

Resolution: Lose weight this year
Three steps: 1. Exercise  2. Eat better  3. Cook more often
Two steps to exercise: 1. Manage time  2. Find enjoyable physical activity
Highlighted Step: Manage Time
New Goal: Manage Time

Isn’t this a different goal?—Yes! It's supposed to be. And chances are it may be one of your biggest barriers in other areas as well. The point is--now you know where to start, and you have a more accurate roadmap to help show you the steps to achieve your next goal. Start at the very bottom of the roadmap and slowly work your way back up through the steps, building on your successes. You may need to make a new roadmap for each step, or a smaller goal leading up to your resolution—that is okay! I encourage you to. The more effective you become in setting realistic expectations, the more your confidence will continue to grow.

If this example wasn’t enough to remind you, I'll say it again—start small! Don’t fall into the same pattern of doing too much, too soon, with too little preparation. If your goal is time management, start by purchasing a planner the first week, and on the second week just try to use the dang thing. Once you feel better about your management skills, start exploring exercises you enjoy. Make another roadmap if you need. Be gentle. Give yourself space and time. Learn from detours. 

Build on your successes. You’re gonna rock this out, but only if you give yourself a chance to be successful in the first place. 

Good things take time. You've got this!

​To a better you!