The New Year’s Resolution Controversy
I feel like there has a become a New Year’s Resolution Controversy – people either love them or are completely turned off by the thought of them. Honestly, I think the problem comes from the word “resolution.” By definition (according to Merriam-Webster) is “something that is resolved” and “resolved” is defined as “to deal with successfully.” The problem with this is that it sounds like something that just magically happens, but a New Year’s Resolution should be a process – something you’re working towards. If I could rename it I’d call it “New Year’s Goals,” “New Year’s Commitments,” or “New Year’s Action Plans.” So with that in mind, I’m sharing some of the ways I’ve made making my New Year’s Resolutions more effective. I’ve shared the method behind my madness (Problem/Solution style), demonstrated via video some examples of how I’ve gone about making my list, and given you a FREE Printable so you too can make your own 2018 Priority List and Action Plan.
The Problems (and Solutions) for Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail
1. PROBLEM: You don’t care enough about the resolution you made. I’m not saying you don’t care at all but you have to care a lot . . . like a lot a lot – enough to make a change and not just talk about it.
SOLUTION: Make a Priority list instead. Resolving something is not a real change. Instead, think about what you want to prioritize.
2. PROBLEM: You’ve chosen too many resolutions.
SOLUTION: Write down your top 3 priorities. If for some reason you make it past those, you can start another list.
3. PROBLEM: You’re not clearly seeing the problem or your potential for growth.
SOLUTION: Identify it clearly. It doesn’t have to be something new. It can just be something you need to alter or change slightly or improve upon. Think baby steps . . .
4. PROBLEM: You didn’t actually make a plan.
SOLUTION: So make a plan . . . literally, write out the steps. How are you going to get to bed earlier? How are you going to spend more time with your kids? How are you going to get your workouts in in the morning? How are you going to start that side job you’ve been wanting to take on? Writing out the steps on paper takes it from thoughts and wishes to actionable goals with a way to make them happen.
5. PROBLEM: No one knows.
SOLUTION: The problem is that when no one knows about your goals then they are easily lost in the business of life or forgotten. When you announce your goals or share them, they become real, and there might just be someone in your corner to remind you about them. So tell your person or people! (You’re also welcome to come join my private Facebook group and share them there!)
Free Printable 2018 Priority List & Action Plan Worksheet
Download these lists, print them out, fill them out and put it somewhere that you can see every day. If you’ve already started making a list of your New Year’s Resolutions, rethink them and use this to help propel you in the right direction. If you haven’t made any yet, start now! And yes, then share it with someone you trust, or email it to me for safe keeping – just take a picture of it and send to info@sarahaley.com. If you send it to me, I’ll be checking in on you . . . #justsayin
Here is a general one that you can use (click on the picture to download the PDF):
Here is a download specific to business (click on the picture to download the PDF):
Watch and See Some Examples
Like I said, I’d love to hear from you . . . send your New Year’s Resolutions to me or maybe just leave some of them in the comment section below. I can’t wait to see what plans you’re making. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year!
