Bring in the New Year... BETTER!

Did you make a New Year's Resolution? I decided long ago that I would no longer make New Year Resolutions. Why? Because no matter how dedicated I start, I never stick to them. I feel that if I truly want to do or change something I will not wait to start until January 1st to begin. According to http://www.goalsguy.com/, “the tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.” (I have to admit I did not double-check this information.) 

The most popular resolutions were listed on the USA.gov site. This is actually what inspired me to write this blog. Here is what they say is the most popular:

• Drink Less Alcohol
• Get a Better Education
• Get a Better Job
• Get Fit
• Lose Weight
• Manage Debt
• Manage Stress
• Quit Smoking Now
• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
• Save Money
• Take a Trip
• Volunteer to Help Others

I have a problem with each and every one of these resolutions. If you are making them, you are setting yourself for failure. Resolutions are really unreachable goals that are being set and 95% of the people will fail. It is never a good idea to set yourself up for failure.

Goals should be set in increments to succeed. Instead of saying, “I will get fit!” Say, “I will walk an extra day every week!” Goals should be attainable and measurable. If you want to lose weight, say I would like to lose 2 pounds every week. Do not say, “I want to lose 50 pounds!” Your goals should be measurable and you have to give yourself time limits. If you are looking to get better organized, start with “I will organize the bathroom cabinets by Friday.”

Long story cut short. Never set yourself up to fail! Do not set one day during the year to improve. Always strive to be a better person. If you feel the need to set goals, make them achievable and measurable.