New Year’s Resolutions vs. Goals ~ What Is The Difference?

A new year always seems to spur a little something in all of us.  A new year, a new you, right?  Many people vow to dust off the old treadmill and get into shape. Some may vow to get their finances in order or to run a marathon. This is where the infamous 'resolution' comes into the picture.

Resolutions tend to be all of nothing and most people don’t plan on how to sustain that resolution the whole year.  Some estimates say that about 40% of Americans make a new year’s resolution, but only about 8% of people succeed.

Instead of resolutions, try setting goals.  The definition of a goal is ‘an observable and measurable result having one or more objectives to be achieved within a more or less fixed time frame’.  Goals can provide a direction to follow to achieve a desired outcome.  Paying attention to how we set goals makes us more likely to achieve them.

Here are Five Golden Rules for Goal Setting:

1. Set Goals That Motivate You: Set goals that are a high priority in your life, which will maximize the likeliness of success.
2. Set SMART Goals:  Specific; Measurable; Attainable; Relevant; Time Bound
3. Set Goals in Writing: This makes your goals tangible and real.
4. Make an Action Plan: Write out individual steps and cross off your list when completed.  You can see your progress!
5. Stick with It:  Remember, your goal won’t happen overnight.  Reward yourself for little goal met and take time to review your goals.

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2019!