Honestly, I’ve never been into New Year’s Resolutions, because less than 10% of people are successful. One could argue that simply making a resolution is setting yourself up for failure. Please don’t misunderstand, in addition to being a realist I am also an optimist. May I recommend a better way?
Reflect
Dedicate some quiet time this week to think about 2013. What would you like to accomplish? What new habits would you like to establish? What are your top priorities? What books would you like to read? Who would you like to spend more time with?
Allow your imagination to run wild…
Write
Jot down your thoughts in a journal. Once you’re ready, grab a cup of coffee and escape to a quiet place – even if your parked car in the garage is the only spot. Write 1 – 2 obtainable goals for each area of your life (i.e. Spiritual, Family, Career, Family, Financial and Personal). Add actions you can take to each one. If you’re inspired by pictures add a few that symbolize a few of your goals. Then print it out.
Share
Post your goals somewhere you will see them every day. Each month take action steps toward accomplishing your goals. Update your goals as you make progress. Cross things out and make additional notes, but don’t delete anything, because seeing your progress is IMPORTANT.
Lastly, but most important: make a date with someone special in your life that will hold you accountable to your goals. Provide them with a copy of your goals and ask them to check in with you at least monthly on your progress.
My personal goal
One personal goal I’ve made for 2013 is to only share information, ideas and thoughts with the right people. Allow me to explain. As an introvert, I spend endless time reading and researching – so naturally I love sharing with others what I’ve learned when certain topics come up in conversation. My husband is the same way. Sadly, this past year Ryan and I have had several very frustrating conversations with people that bring up certain topics that we are well read in, but have contrary opinions. It ends up in a bit of an argument and then the awkwardness sets in. Although, Ryan and I have very firm opinions in some areas, we listen and respect the opinions of others.
I’ve spent HOURS thinking about this and discussing it with my mentors and have come to a major revelation! Most people are not genuinely interested in learning from others. They are set in their ways and opinions. And I’m not just talking about controversial issues like abortion, gun control and vaccinations – it could be simple thinks like food, fashion and exercise. So my new revelation is that when a topic comes up that I am passionate about before I share, I will first assess if the person I’m talking to is truly open to learning. If not, I will listen and move on to the next subject. Wow, do I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
What is one of your New Year goals?
You sound like me…an introvert. I have a book in my mountain of books to read called Introverts in the Church. My goal is to read that mountain of books I have stacked up and to finish writing the book I’ve been working on for a year.
I also understand about those awkward moments in conversations. It usually makes me retreat even more and become more of the introvert. But writing helps me to pull out of that.
Your goal sounds like much wisdom is packed into it.
Here’s to wonderful conversations in the new year!
Happy New Year!
Kristin, it sounds like we have a lot in common. I have several stacks of books and like to read a few at the same time, which sometimes backfires on me. What’s the name of your book?
Happy New Year!
Hi Jessica, two of my goals for 2013 is to have Fun and to be more open. Being a mother of six I am so busy doing lots of motherly things, that I don’t take the time to have Fun. So 2013 is the year of FUN for me! I think by me having fun will help me somehow to be more open with people. Happy/Fun New Year Jessica!!
Charmaine, that is a fantastic goal! Happy New Year beautiful!