Turn “Resolutions” into “Revolutions”
Resolutions seem cemented in the cultural landscape of the New Year. Resolutions involve change, and change requires being in a state of discomfort for a long time, which is one out of many reasons they often fail.
However, failure is part of the learning process, so this in itself is not a problem. It is the last stage in James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente Stages of Change Model. It is inevitable to relapse, and by accepting this we are more likely to pick ourselves up and try again.
The issue with resolutions in January is that they are usually forced into this bracket of time, so we are not prepared to take the actions needed, and ready ourselves for the discomfort that comes with them.
According to a Forbes Health/OnePoll survey conducted in October of 2023, 61.7% of respondents say they feel pressured to set a New Year’s resolution, with 66.5% stating they plan on making three or more resolutions for the year ahead.
So, what does it take to be properly prepared?
If you are contemplating change, it is worth using SMART goals.
Is the goal specific enough? Usually this means focused and small.
Is the goal measurable? So we can track progress.
Is the goal attainable? This means trying to gauge whether it is realistic, which may need others’ input. This helps to break goals down into a series of actions to be completed.
Is the goal relevant enough? So it fits with other life ambitions.
Is the goal time-bound? So we know when to measure progress, and change our goals again.
The advantages of using this process to frame goals are many:
It helps you articulate “why” you are setting this goal.
It helps you check whether you are ready to take action or not.
It helps break bigger goals into smaller goals.
It helps you continually assess your progress, and thereby make new goals as circumstances or context changes.
This last point is crucial. If we are continually assessing what goals we need to amend or create, we are not arbitrarily creating resolutions at one point in the year, but turning resolutions into revolutions: part of a continuous cycle of change throughout the year. Does this leave us feeling constant discomfort? Perhaps, but this discomfort may well be insignificant compared to the pain of not changing. And besides, discomfort will be tempered by the small successes we’ll feel as resolutions become more than just big ideas declared to our friends in the waking days of January.
