When Resolutions Don’t Work
Did you know that a staggering 80% of people who flock to the gym as part of their New Year's resolution call it quits by the second week of February? That's what the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association found, and it's one of the reasons I'm not a huge fan of resolutions. They tend to fizzle out. Instead, the new year should be about making ongoing commitments to yourself – commitments that aren't confined to January and should be a part of your regular life.
This pattern was crystal clear at my old yoga studio. Each January, we'd see a surge of enthusiastic faces, brimming with New Year's resolve. But as quickly as February rolled around, that enthusiasm would wane. It seems people often pick resolutions that just don't click with their real lives, turning what should be invigorating into something that feels more like a slog.
There's also this craving for instant gratification we all seem to have, forgetting that the journey—learning something new, enjoying the small wins, and setting fresh goals throughout the year—is where the real magic happens. A study noted that only 46% of people who made New Year's resolutions were successful. This goes to show, real change, the kind that sticks, is more about a continuous process, not just a once-a-year burst of wishful thinking.
Rather than making a resolution once a year, consider committing to keep a personal monthly review in place.
We often spend time creating career goals rather than goals for our total self. To create business, balance & bliss, it’s important to find ways to keep yourself aware of how you feel and agile enough to make changes throughout the year, not just every 12 months. To do this, set a calendar appointment to review yourself each month so you don’t forget. I recommend dividing your review into five areas and asking yourself the following questions:
1. Joy:
What actions are you taking to cultivate happiness in both your professional and personal life? Joy stems from enjoying those around you and maintaining a positive outlook. Think about what brings you happiness and how you can proactively include more of it in your daily life. Consider setting a monthly goal that ensures you actively engage in activities or with people that bring you joy.
2. Financial:
Assess your financial ambitions both in your career and personal finances. Are you working towards paying off loans or reducing credit card usage? Is there a specific financial target, like a raise or a bonus, that you are striving for? If financial concerns are a constant source of stress, identify a small change you can implement that could lead to significant improvements. Regularly review your financial status each month to stay on track and hold yourself accountable.
3. Health:
Health is a critical aspect often relegated to the background amidst busy schedules. Are you keeping up with necessary medical check-ups? Evaluate your dietary choices and their impact on your body, particularly concerning inflammation, which can affect overall well-being and mental sharpness. Additionally, examine your sleep patterns and identify any changes that could improve the quality of your rest. Commit to one positive health change each month, whether it's a dietary adjustment, an exercise routine, or a wellness practice.
4. Marketing/Sales (personal brand):
Whether you're running your own business or climbing the corporate ladder, nurturing your personal brand is crucial. This can be achieved through various channels like social media engagement, networking, or orchestrating marketing campaigns for your business. Setting a monthly goal to enhance your brand will not only boost your professional presence but also contribute to your sense of accomplishment. Ask yourself, "What specific action can I take each month to promote my brand effectively?" This might involve updating your LinkedIn profile, attending a networking event, or creating engaging content for your audience.
5. Creating Work-Life Harmony®:
Striking the right balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life is key to maintaining overall well-being. Reflect on your current state: Are you feeling overwhelmed at work or home? Are you carving out enough time for self-care? Integrating small breaks throughout the day, like a brief meditation, reading, or a walk, can be incredibly rejuvenating. On days when you have more time, consider engaging in longer activities like exercise, playing an instrument, or indulging in a hobby. Plan these activities based on your daily schedule to ensure you maintain this essential harmony.
In addition to these areas, at the end of each month, ask yourself these four reflective questions:
What have I learned? This helps you appreciate the growth you've experienced.
What didn’t I like? Identifying dislikes guides you in adjusting your actions or goals.
What didn’t work? Acknowledging what didn't go as planned is key to future planning.
What did I accomplish? Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, boosts morale and motivation.
By conducting this monthly review, you're proactively adjusting your life's course, allowing for continuous improvement and sustained happiness. This method is far more effective than a once-a-year resolution, empowering you to stay motivated and on track throughout the year.
Remember, you are your best motivator. Acknowledging your daily successes, both big and small, builds a foundation for long-term achievement. Commit to this monthly personal review. It’s a powerful tool that lifts you beyond the common failure rate of New Year's resolutions and sets you on a path to lasting success and fulfillment.
Take your resolutions and goals for 2024 to the next level. View and complete this monthly review sheet for an easy check-in each month.
When Resolutions Don’t Work