New Year, New Goals
Updated: Jan 1
It's the time of year when resolutions are a hot topic in everyday conversations, especially in the fitness industry. New Years Resolutions aren't necessarily bad but it's the way we frame them that can make all of the difference. Below I'll cover the differences between New Year Resolutions, New Year Goals, why resolutions fail, and end-of-year reflection to set yourself up for success in 2023.
New Year Resolutions
Vague
No Plan
Negative Framing
No Metrics
Drastic Changes
No accountability
Uses words of aspiration
New Year Goals
Specific
Requires a Plan
Positive Framing
Measurable
Attainable within a specific time frame
Accountability check-ins
Uses words of commitment to action
Below are two real-life examples of New Year Resolutions and New Year Goals and while I know they sound similar, the mindset and approach to achieving them are very different. Resolution: I want to start running more It's vague with no metrics to demonstrate the resolution is being met and uses non-action words like "I want" which is an expression of aspiration. Goal: I will run the local 5K race in March. It's specific to a distance, event, date, and uses action words like "I will" which is a commitment to action. Resolution: I will stop eating junk food or I want to be healthier While the first resolution uses action words it is negatively framed, creating an all-or-nothing situation with no plan. Again, the second resolution is too vague with no plan and metric to demonstrate the resolution is being met. Goal: I will work out 4 times a week and only eat out 3 meals per week. It is positively framed with a specific weekly plan, weekly check-ins, weekly metrics, and uses commitment to action words making it much easier to achieve. The words you choose can make or break your success and that is why 80% of resolutions don't make it past February. Turn your resolutions into goals and the more specific your goals can be, the better. If you need guidance or accountability, don't hesitate to reach out.
End-of-Year Reflection End-of-year reflection is just as important as your new years' resolutions. So before you start to look ahead, look back. Here are 10 questions worth answering. Grab a notebook and give yourself plenty of time to answer them. These questions can provide a sense of accomplishment for the past and a sense of direction for the future. It's fun to compare these questions/answers year after year so if possible, save them. You might notice some keywords or trends.
Questions to Ask Yourself
What am I grateful for in 2022?
What hard things did I overcome in 2022?
What did 2022 teach me?
Who positively impacted my life in 2022?
How am I different from the person I was one year ago?
What relationships do I need to strengthen?
What do I need to start doing?
What do I need to stop doing?
What do I need to keep doing?
What is one small thing I can do to get 1% better every day?
I hope this information helps set you up for success and that 2023 is your best year yet. If you need help with your goal planning, reach out to schedule a free goal planning session.
Thank you for reading and as always, reach out at any time if you need anything!