According to Statistic Brain Research Institute around 40% of Americans form New Year’s Resolutions year over year. At face value, forming New Years Resolutions is an act worthy of praise. It’s an ode to oneself and to the universe that they will improve in the upcoming year. But beneath the surface, a phrase such as “I’m going to start a business in 2022” is nothing more than an intent to partake in an ambitious endeavor by an undisclosed date. In other words, it’s nothing more than hot air.
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Make Your New Years Resolutions Actionable
If you want to make New Years resolutions you will actually see to the finish line, it’s important that you make them actionable. The best way to do so is by leveraging the SMART framework. You resolution should be:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-Based
Following this framework turns simple resolutions like “I want to be skinny in 2022” into impactful proclamations such as:
I’m going to lose 24 pounds by December 15th, 2022 in order to live a healthier life.
Start Right Now, Like Right After You Finish Reading
Procrastinate – to put off till another day or time; defer; delay.
Proclaiming that in the upcoming year you will strive for a significant achievement or interpersonal change, is a display of procrastination. If there is something that you want to accomplish, you must start now. Why?
- You must create a habit for putting in the work when needed rather than deferring to a later date.
- “Now” is the only span of time you can manipulate.
If you want to cut down your consumption of drinks other than water, why wait until next year? Why not start today? If you have to delay it, it’s probably because you’re not ready to break the habit, hence why you’re procrastinating.
Put a Date to All Future Actions
If there is an action that you must take at a future date, you must attach an actual date to it. For example, statements such as:
I will do “X” tomorrow
“Tomorrow” does not exist, it’s a relative term and doesn’t allow for you to hold yourself accountable. Opt for phrases such as:
I will do “X” on January 15th at 3PM
Peg all future endeavors to an actual date and time, never with vague terms like soon, tomorrow, or next year.
Summary
If you want to make New Years Resolutions that you can actually achieve it’s important that you make them Actionable, Start Them Today, and Peg All Future Actions to a Date. Talk about this on the forum.
