New Years Resolutions: Five Big Mistakes People Make When Making a Resolution
Posted: Tuesday, December 30, 2008
by Val Silver
TapInfinity
Do you make New Year's Resolutions with the best of intentions only to find that your enthusiasm fades as fast as the holiday season? Are you afraid to make another resolution for fear history will repeat itself yet again, and you'll be no further ahead than if you didn't bother at all?
Check out these five big mistakes and how to avoid them. You'll be well on your way to successfully achieving your goals.
Solution: Ask yourself, "Why do I feel I should do this? Is this goal truly important to me? Is this something I really want? Or do I feel pressured by others? If the goal isn't what you want, chances are you won't accomplish it or stick with it. In that case, ask yourself what you do want and set another goal.
Mistake#2- Setting too large or ambitious a goal without placing milestones on the way to achieving that goal. Before you reach your goal you get overwhelmed or discouraged, and quit.
Solution : Set mini-goals within your larger goal. This allows you to establish smaller, easier habits that you are more likely to stick with. Since these goals will be reached within a shorter time frame, you will have many opportunities to realize and appreciate your achievements on the way to your larger goal.
Mistake#3- Failing to have a plan. You know what you want, but have no real idea how you are going to accomplish it.
Solution : Explore your options, educate yourself, and set up a system before you start. Take some time to map out a plan complete with mini-goals and a schedule. In a plan book or calendar, write a reasonable daily "to do" list. Check off each item as you complete it. This creates a sense of accomplishment and a reminder of your successes so far. Setting up your system can be your first mini-goal. You may want to build a reward system into your plan if that helps you stay motivated.
Mistake#4- Failure to be flexible. You get discouraged if you fall off the wagon or don't keep up with your plan.
Solution: Acknowledge that life happens. Allow your plan to be flexible, allow for failure. Failure to reach a goal or mini-goal is not a reason to quit. Figure out what isn't working and why. Are you asking too much of yourself? Do you need to make changes to your plan or goal? Make modifications and try again. Every step in the direction you want to go is better than no steps at all. Keep at it.
Mistake#5- Going it alone. For any number of reasons you decide you must do this by yourself and for yourself.
Solution: We all benefit from the support and expertise of others at times. Working with a support group can help you stay motivated and accountable. A coach, trainer or other professional can help you move past your blocks and teach you skills that will save you lots of time and energy in the long run. Knowing that someone is there for you can make all the difference as you work to achieve success.
Bonus tip: Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Share it in the comments box below. Putting your goal in writing and sharing it with the world wil l help you solidify it.
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More commentsHi Val. I like the mini-goals suggestion. I usually don't make "New Year's" resolutions, but just try to work on things all the time. I recently stopped biting my fingernails, except for my thumbnails. And even at that, it is less frequent! Thanks for sharing your tips!Congratulations on achieving your goal. I guess that just leaves the mini-thumbnail goal. I know those habits are hard to break. Good luck! Val
Hi Val, great article and suggestions. I used to occasionally make a New Years resolution but almost always failed to reach it and I finally made one, that I would not make any more New Years resolutions and I have not broken that one. But your suggestions are good. I resolved to stop smoking a couple of times, but didn't make it. Then one July, a doctor told me I WOULD stop and I did. Motivation and desire is the key. Thanks for writing this one.Congratulations on making that non-resolution resolution and for quitting smoking! That really is a biggie. Personally, I do not make resolutions but I do set goals. Your right about the motivation part. Val
Hi Val. Happy New Years!I enjoyed your article, but do agree with everyone about making resolutions. To me they're escalators to the floor of depression for those who feel they've let themselves down. I've never made them. My personal "New Year Solutions" have always been to simply take one day at a time while I trust God for His help.DeborahHI Deborah, Thanks for commenting. Love your New Year's Solution. Sounds like a great plan!
Using the word, "Resolution" could be harmful because it implies how you arrived at setting Goals and Objectives. Beginning with Setting Objectives forces us to follow with an Action Plan for implementing your excellent solutions.Yes, I very easily could have used the word "goals" and normally would have- and did, when focusing on each tip. However, knowing that people make resolutions this time of year I was "getting in the spirit". I was hoping these tips would encourage them to evaluate and plan so they can be more successful if they truly are going to act on the resolution. After all, "resolve" does help propel us towards most of our goals. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Val, you are a wealth of great tips and practical helps, keep them coming! Blessings to you! TeresaThanks Teresa, always love reading your comments (and articles!) and appreciate the encouragement. I'm having a great time writing these articles and was glad to get a few submitted over the holidays. Of course, as you know, all the "kudos" we get here on Searchwarp inspire the writer in us. Don't you think?I agree, we need to support eachother! And it's easy to do with all the great articles and perspectives shared here.
Resolve, the route source of the word resolution. Many profess many fail. Thanks for sharing.And yet with the right tools, powered by resolve and motivation, there are those that succeed. To them, my kudos!
very good read Val! sounds like you wrote this article from experience
As usual Val, I enjoy your articles, they are informative, full of great ideas, and I can "see" how this would really work. I personally don't make New Years resolutions, I just make an honest effort to imporve myself like reading fine articles like this, and trying to make a difference with my articles, that I know I can do!!! Well written and well done, that is why I am going to be a fan!!!Gee thanks Gary, for your kind works and for joining my fan club. Sounds like you have some pretty solid goals and intentions in place all ready.
This was very well thought out and I appreciate your contribution to the community. Happy new year!Thanks Lesa, Have a great year too!
Val,Great write. And alot of people can benefit from reading this. Thanks for sharing.
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