It’s that time again. A new year. The hope for new beginnings. Time to make New Year’s resolutions. Is this really meant to be a serious activity? I wonder. Many take it as a joke while others see it as an important opportunity. I suppose it depends on the individual. The most ubiquitous goals seem to be about our personal health and well-being. Usually, that means losing weight and going to the gym. As I recall, fitness center memberships always spike at the beginning of the year, then taper off throughout the year.
The genesis of creating New Year’s
resolutions goes back, at least 4000 years to the Babylonians. They
celebrated the New Year by pledging loyalty to their King and promises to the
gods to repay their debts. If they faithfully fulfilled their promises,
they expected to receive favor from their gods. The Romans, and
Early Christians had similar traditions. Today, it is largely a
secular practice. Approximately 45% of Americans make New Year’s
Resolutions, with an 8% success rate.
Making New Year’s resolutions is
easy! I do it every year. Accomplishing my resolutions, however, requires
effort. I was curious to know how others view New Year’s resolutions, so
I polled my colleagues on the subject, which I recapped in the
following paragraphs.
Don told me, “The
only New Year’s resolution that I’ve ever been able to make and keep (so far) I
made 35 years ago, and that was not to ever make another New Year’s resolution.
All kidding aside though, as each year passes, I find myself reflecting on who
I am, what drives me, and how I can grow a stronger servant spirit to those I interact
with. Therefore, I’d say that an ongoing resolution is to strive to be a better
person, to realize & attempt to improve on the areas I fall short, and to
always remain open to opportunities to utilize my life experience to help
others whenever and wherever I can.”
Sue said, “My POV
may be a bit different than others as well. I tend to take a more
philosophical approach vs. the bucket list…So, it’s more of an inventory of
“what really matters? and structuring strategies to get there” and the tactical
issues tend to fall into place. With so much (and needed) focus on
Leadership qualities and when put into practice the potential positive impact
on the lives of others, this approach resonates with me.”
Don and Sue believe in
big general goals. Their interest is focused on affecting the lives of
others. They understand the need to create specific tactics to achieve those
broader themes.
Mark wrote, “Life is an ever-changing beautiful puzzle. The best
way to make your wonderful life puzzle is to visualize your wanted future
experiences and share them with others so they can participate and improve them
with you. Setting temporary resolutions or goals may be the wrong puzzle pieces
to build your better life. See bigger than simple puzzle pieces for your life.
At work, setting goals for projects is good. But for life, goals are too small
and rigid. Be flexible and evolve your life puzzle picture.”
John told me; “January 1 is the
milestone to turn over a new leaf, go forward with that idea that’s been stuck
in your head for months, lose the bad habits that are keeping you down.
Don’t listen to the naysayers that don’t believe in resolutions. I say
even if it fails, at least you’ve given yourself an opportunity to feel
optimistic, good about yourself and belief in your future. And from there, on
to the next resolution, do your best to make it stick. Write it down, tell
someone, make a daily commitment to remind someone what your goals are. Find
daily quotes for encouragement, “even if you don’t feel like it, get up,
dress up, show up and never give up”
Mark and John are
serious about creating bold Resolutions.
Richard is focused on
execution. “Format your New Year’s resolution in terms of a SMART goal.
Especially the part about measurable and time bound. Share it with
friends who you will want to know how you’re doing.”
Eric has a tightly
focused Resolution. “As I mentioned, my New Year’s resolution is to
focus on effective communications. As the old saying goes, tis better to
remain silent and be thought a fool, then to speak and remove all doubt.”
Personally, I like to
fast forward 12 months to visualize where I want to be, then determine how to
achieve that result. For example, I want to become a more effective
leader. I plan to achieve this goal by listening more; to be more
positive; and be more supportive in my personal relations.
If you aren’t serious about improving your situation, making New Year’s resolutions is pointless. If you are serious, it means replacing unproductive habits with productive habits. In other words, creating new habits. If you are reading this post, I am confident you are serious about action to improve your situation.
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Jim Weber, Managing Partner