As we say farewell to 2023, January 1st is the advent of a new year. And with the start of 2024, I will be making big changes — resolutions, so to speak. Are you as well? We may want a better body, better pay, or better relationships. But will these resolutions become dust in the wind as soon as the holidays are over? We have to remind ourselves of these resolutions and not get distracted so as not to give up. We need results this year, gentlemen.
Resolutions are simply a type of goal, not any different than other goals in your life. The only difference with these is you are making them at the 1st of the year. We all need goals, just like New Year Resolutions — to get things done, to give the brain what it wants (planning), to give us a direction and purpose, to make us feel happiness through accomplishments, to drive progress, and to keep us connected with others shooting for the same goal(s)
Sure, we always start a new year with lots of self-improvement enthusiasm and commitment, but somewhere along the line, motivation dwindles and things like cheese pizza and comfortable couches become our captors. If you find yourself falling victim to these temptations and more, consider trying the following tips, which, for so many, mean the difference between winning and not.
New Year Resolutions must not be made and ready to execute on January 1st. I understand the significance of beginning something new on the first day of a new year, but if you’re not ready to be resolute, it’s best to wait until you are. Of course, the sooner, the better if you want it to be a New Year resolution.
Give it some thought. Instead of haphazardly committing to any and every resolution you come up with, choose significant goals. Put real thought into the “why” of things by recognizing a goal’s need and purpose. This gives meaning and value to a resolution, making it more obtainable and realistic.
Instead of having a TO-DO list the length of your arm, choose just a few things you want to change and then prioritize them. After prioritizing, decide which goals remain on the list and which need to go. You may find you end up with only one resolution, which is cool because success rates are much greater if you don’t over-commit. More is not always better.
Be specific with your goals. Instead of promising yourself to lose weight, put a realistic number to it. “I will lose 20 pounds in the next three months.” or “I will go to the gym every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.” or “I will get a haircut the last Saturday of every month.” You get the idea. Getting specific and working out the details in advance allows less opportunity to bend the rules and lose focus.
Write resolutions and goals down on paper like I did and keep them visible. Post-it notes are perfect for this purpose. Refrigerators, computer monitors, dashboards, work desks, closest doors, medicine cabinets, wherever – displaying a visual reminder will be beneficial in keeping you on task.
Go public (like I am doing in this newsletter) and share your goals with someone else to etch your plans in stone. It has a way of committing and keeping us on track, which is easier than admitting defeat most days. As committed as I am to never using tobacco products again, I reaffirm my commitment every time I mention it publicly. It really does help, so shout it from the rooftop if you must!
Try a group resolution because there is strength in numbers. Buddy up with friends or co-workers with similar goals and make it a group effort. Having someone who can relate, support, and motivate us during those inevitably challenging times has immeasurable benefits. There are some things we don’t have to do by ourselves.
It’s okay to mess up, as we’re only human. As long as the weak moments are fewer than not, don’t waste energy on beating yourself up over a temporary setback. Acknowledge the situation, get in touch with your feelings, and move on. Put energy into moving forward instead of wasting it on the unchangeable past.
Resolutions can be made any day of the year. Most of us have more than one thing we want to change or improve. Overwhelming ourselves with too many resolutions at once can be counterproductive (see above), so add goals throughout the year and work your way through the list one resolution at a time. It’s not just about achieving a goal but the journey as well.
No matter what your 2024 goals are, I wish you happiness and success in all you do. Remember to be kind to yourself and reach for the stars. An amazing new year is waiting to be had, and I’m excited and honored to be a part of it with you! Happy New Year, gentlemen!
