Resolutions for the New Year!

I do not usually make resolutions for a new year. I am somewhat fearful that sticking to a few or several resolutions can set me up to fail. Further, I think these resolutions are often about what I am not going to do or what I am going to stay away from (e.g., like the gym two or three times a week, etc.) Personally, I do best and stay consistent when I am working towards something so I like to integrate any new ideas or objectives for the year ahead into what I am already doing. I like to see how these new ideas or objectives will fit into the bigger picture of my life, that way they become part of the impact I am seeking to make. And I try to maintain these new add-ons in my life by knowing that I'll continue to gain experience, both from any successes or failures (quick ones). I understand that what I learn in the process will ultimately give me insight and confidence to tackle ongoing or new challenges. And all this starts from goals and planning.

When it comes to goals, I break these into smaller parts. From these, I develop any appropriate lists and add benchmarks for success (which need not be complicated) over time (it can be a quarter, mid-year, or a year) to see whether or not I am where I need to be. When making lists, it also helps to categorize any new ideas (e.g. health, wellness, professional, personal, social, career) so that these items are actionable. Plus, this helps me to put the goals into a plan of action.

Planning is where it all happens and things become more doable as they become visible and tangible. In the grand scheme of the planning process, it's important to select those things that can both stretch me and allow me to make some progress confidently. This really helps with perspective and also, evaluating how well I am doing against my benchmarks for success so that if anything is off track, I can adjust course appropriately throughout the year.

And of course, there are the basics which I always include in my own thinking and approach for welcoming a brand new year and they are finding ways to reduce stress, walking more than the guideline of 10,000 steps daily (according to research), sleeping anywhere from 6.5 to 8.0 hours a day, getting an annual physical to see where my health is at, eating better (i.e., produce, good fats, and lean proteins), drinking more water, and my personal favorite, focusing on personal development on a daily basis.

Whether or not you make resolutions, enjoy the process and may this be your best year yet!