Why Resolutions Don’t Work

It’s that time of year where we recognize areas for growth (although goal-setting is not limited to just the beginning of the year) . Notice I am using the phrase “goal-setting” not “resolution-setting”.  Resolutions often fall short of the specificity required to achieve your goals, and consequently aren’t achieved. I can guarantee I have “resolved” to do many things, and at best made it to the spring.

For some of you, the goal is to eliminate an undesired behavior (i.e. reduce screen time), and others want to focus on introducing a new behavior (i.e. learning to skateboard). 
 

STEP 1:

It all starts with your goal and following a framework. When I work with clients 1:1 we use S.M.A.R.T. goals. (Curious about 1:1 work? Contact me here to chat more.)

If you are new to SMART goals, it stands for: 

S - Is it specific? (What exactly do you want to accomplish?)

M - Is it measurable? (How will you know you’ve accomplished it?  Can you quantify it - ie do _________ 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Can you break it into smaller goals?)

A - Is it achievable? (Can you actually do it in the timeframe you set? Is it challenging enough?

      Also consider what resources you will need!)

R - Is it relevant? (Do you actually want to do this? What is the WHY?)

T - Is it time-bound? (When do I want to complete this goal? When does it start?)

STEP 2:

ACTION. Take the necessary action, as defined in your goal, that will move you from where you are now to where you want to be. 

STEP 3:

As you take action toward your goal, consider making it S.M.A.R.T.E.R.! The E and R stand for:

E - Evaluate 

R - Review

Whether you meet your goal or not, these final two steps of evaluating or reviewing (whether used as a midpoint review or at the conclusion of your goal time frame) allow you to mine the process for gold.

• What did you learn?
• What was easy?
• What was most challenging?
• How did you overcome challenges?
• If you did not meet your goal, how can you reset and continue with this new knowledge?

Last year, the boys and I set a goal to learn how to skateboard (I may have planted this seed - but they were very good sports). We followed the Goal Setting Sheet that you can download in our Free Resource Library - and it helped! We are a year in and still going strong (them more than I, I am still kinda scared, tbh). Check us out in the video below!

Make sure to access our Goal Setting Sheet and more goodies in our amazing Freebie Library by following the link in the caption. You can do this activity solo or with others! 

Got any questions? Email me at [email protected] to start a conversation!