Upgrade Your Resolution Game

“A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at.” – Bruce Lee

January has come to an end which inevitably leads to the question: what is your resolution?

By definition, a resolution is “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” Unfortunately, over time the “firm decision” blurs into a laughable joke a few weeks later. Often starting out with an ethereal statement of “saving more money”, “losing weight”, and/or “being a better person,” we set ourselves up for imminent failure. As the weeks and months glide by with pleasant waves, we let our “resolution” die almost as quickly as it was conceived.

Instead, try a goal-based year. By definition, a goal is “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.” Focus on the action word “effort”, which is exactly what is required when any sort of change is involved. Pick a goal for the end of the year and then break down the milestones required to get there. Precision is your friend. Discard lofty theoretical statements and focus on the more concrete. Milestones allow you to check in with yourself to take stock of where you are in regards to your desired result. Remember, every milestone you hit is forward motion to where you want to be.

Action Item: Write down one goal for the year. Post that goal in a highly visible space (i.e. dwelling and/or office). In whatever calendar format you utilize, setup monthly milestone check-ins. These should be broken down by your goal, divided by twelve.

During each milestone, ask yourself two questions:

• Did I meet my milestone?
• If not, why didn’t I?
  • Can I recover before the next milestone?
  • Do I have to re-adjust my milestones?

Example:

Goal: Increase my savings by 12%

Monthly milestone questions:

• Have my savings increased by 1%?
• If not, why?
  • Unplanned vehicle cost
  • Do I have to re-adjust my milestones?
    • No, but now shopping budget has to be reduced for the next month

Further Reading:

None, take the time to look at your year and pick a goal.