Seriously, how many people keep New Year's resolutions? Not many. Although 40-50% of the public make resolutions on January 1, the fact is 33% won't even make it until the end of January before they break them, according to a New York Times article.
So, why do we make them in the first place? We all want to improve and be better people. It seems the turning of a new year is an excellent time for self-examination. Students and adults alike often feel the need to improve and the societal pull to set New Year's resolutions.
The problem with resolutions isn't the ideas themselves. Losing weight, exercising more, saving more money, spending more time with family, and getting better grades are all excellent desires. However, that's all they are. A general desire is different than a goal.
Goals are measurable, quantifiable, and achievable. Goals break down the desire into bite-sized steps so you can actually get there. Goals take focus and true commitment. They aren't some vague desire floating around your mind. No wonder people crash and burn on resolutions! They don't understand how to turn desires into goals or how to make a plan to reach them.
Let's take a look at an example.
Your desire is to study math more. Ok, how? Well, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 2 – 4 p.m. you can study five extra pages in your textbook. Did you see what happened? You turned you desire into a goal with steps.
Another desire could be to get an A in your history course. How can you get there? Practice lessons with parents daily, dedicate weekends to study, memorize important facts before bed, make note cards for mock test questions. The more complex the desire, the more effort it takes to turn it into a plan. Break it down into manageable chunks with a timeline. Work ahead of schedule when possible. Don't procrastinate.
Anytime you can add quantities or time limits, you can push yourself to be more accountable. Sheer will power often isn't enough to get some people going. All of us get lazy. You can help by picking an accountability partner whom you can tell your goals to. By having someone else (a friend, parent, sibling, or teacher) know your goals, you can push yourself because others are expecting it, too.
If you truly desire changes in your life, dedication is key. Forget making fleeting New Year's resolutions that don't even last until February. In 2012, make personal goals that you can actually accomplish. Be committed. Outline how you're going to change. Make a plan. Then do it. Do it by keeping true to your goal every single day of the year. This is how you'll make your life better.
What's a personal goal that you've accomplished by making a plan to reach it? Tell us.