The blogosphere is awash with how to make better New Year Resolutions. The problem is that most resolutions don’t last past the first week of January and therefore we start the year with failure.
Last year my advice was on reviewing the previous year’s resolutions to get to the root cause of why the resolution was not sticking before embarking on it again. This year it’s even simpler – do something different. It’s one of those old saws but it is entirely true – if you keep trying the same thing you’ll get the same outcome. Not great if you want a different outcome.
The good news is that the something different doesn’t have to be huge. All it needs to be is something that moves us forward. Here are some example ideas.
- Instead of promising yourself a massive de-clutter that you never get around to, commit to simple steps like giving two books to the charity shop for every one you buy or tidying one shelf or cupboard every week.
- Instead of trying a big career change that never comes off find one thing you can legitimately do a little more of in your current job that you really enjoy. An example is becoming more expert in a software package by learning one new feature or function each week.
- Instead of trying the latest fad diet change just one item of your daily food intake for the better. You could swap the bowl of sugary breakfast cereal for porridge or the morning double shot cappuccino for a herbal tea.
- Instead of promising yourself that you will start that novel – you have an idea but have never got past a few jottings – write some 300 word pieces of flash fiction.
A small successful step is always much better than a big idea you never get going on. One thing I’m doing is instead of trying to maintain/create the perfect house (you know the glossy magazine thing) I’m looking to keep a steady trickle of small improvements, fixes and repairs going. What small thing will you do differently? Perhaps time for one last extra large coffee to help think it over?
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Steve
December 28, 2012 at 11:10 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I’ve made New Years resolutions in the past. Some were a success and others didn’t work out. It seems as if the changes that work best are the ones you’re passionate about making happen. The ones that don’t are the ones you make simply because it’s the start of a new year. Too often those are the big changes like getting into shape or reading a ton of books. And if you think about it, big changes plus little interest in making those changes isn’t a good recipe for making them stick. I like your approach though and focusing on a small thing. Swapping one bad thing from your diet for one good thing is easier than making your resolution a total reworking of your entire diet.
Steve recently posted..7 Rules for Trying Your Best
Peter Hall
January 3, 2013 at 9:16 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thanks Steve – keeping an eye out for small changes can be a much less scarier and more fun way of making a difference.
Steve H
December 30, 2012 at 8:47 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Good sound advice. Like it.
Long journeys start with small steps.
Look forward to what Lifewhack brings in the New Year.
PS Just got a Kindle so it will be ‘Time For The Real Me’ shortly,
Steve
Peter Hall
January 3, 2013 at 9:13 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thanks for your support – enjoy the book.
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me
January 4, 2013 at 2:59 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I love your idea of smaller, more accessible goals. I also like to think of the possibility for new starts at any time, not only New Year’s…a new month, new week, new school year. Life is full of opportunities for small changes that can lead to great successes. Thanks for the ideas!
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me recently posted..Making Good on Some Promises
Peter Hall
January 5, 2013 at 5:39 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Lisa, you’re right life is full of opportunities. Have a good 2013.