Happy New Year!
Resolution: a written motion adopted by a deliberative body. New Year's Resolutions: a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous.
Success rate: Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, a system where small measurable goals are used (lose a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.
Personally, I have not trafficked with the masses that make annual New Year's resolutions for a few reasons. Primarily, I believe that commitments ought to serve and align with a clearly defined set of personal values and life purpose, not be the byproduct of an emotional spurt of longing for change that accompanies the clock's strike of midnight on December 31. In fact, it is the defining of one's purpose and values that energizes and sustains these critical commitments.
Secondly, true commitments that follow and serve our values and purpose are in focus and acted upon throughout the year. They become common routine, part of our everyday lives.
OK, so here are the difficult but necessary questions: what is your life purpose, that ONE thing your life is all about? What are your core values, those deeply held uncompromising beliefs and practices?
I suggest today is a good day to get alone, go for a walk, pray and reflect, journal, and further define your purpose and values. New Year's resolutions without the solid support and energizing power of a purpose and values will soon realize failure. Here are some questions to help you with the process:
My Purpose:
1. Why do I exist? What is my ONE thing I must accomplish?
2. How am I made? What are my core strengths and competencies?
3. What am I passionate about? What gets my blood flowing, brings me excitement and joy?
4. What do I want to be remembered for? When the family and friends gather around my picture, what legacy will they speak of for my life?
My Values:
1. What are my top five (5) belief practices?
2. How have I demonstrated true commitment and sacrifice for my five belief practices?
3. What belief practices will I hold to even if it may mean losing friends and career?
You will be amazed at the energy that flows out of a clearly defined purpose and values set and into your commitments and resolutions.
May 2010 be for us all a purposeful and values driven year!
"For I know the plans that I have for you", declares the Lord, "Plans for your well being and not for disaster, to give to you a future and a hope."
--Jeremiah (Israel's prophet)
Note: "Activating Your Ambition" (author Mike Hawkins), a great supportive read for defining goals that support one's purpose