I am not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions. Mostly because people never really stick to them. I think a healthier approach is to have short and long term goals that are updated throughout the year. One should never feel that there is only one time of the year that they should review their life and goals. Resolutions can feel like rigid promises that may crumble under the weight of unrealistic expectations, while goals provide a more flexible framework for personal growth and achievement.
Resolutions are often vague, sweeping statements about what one intends to change. “I will exercise more” or “I’ll eat healthier” are common resolutions. Goals, on the other hand, are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For instance, “I will jog for 30 minutes three times a week” is a well-defined goal. Resolutions often focus solely on the end result. Goals, on the other hand, encourage us to celebrate progress at every step. Did you jog an extra five minutes today? Celebrate that achievement. Small victories build momentum and keep us motivated.
As we embark on a new year, let’s shift our focus from lofty resolutions to intentional goal setting. Embrace the journey of personal development, celebrate the small victories, and savor the process of becoming the best version of yourself. In the realm of goals, every step forward is a triumph, and the destination is not a fixed point but a continuous evolution. Cheers to a year of purposeful goal pursuit!