I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions because they are often based on wishful thinking. The most common pledges are to lose weight, stop smoking, get fit, or save money. The goals are rarely achieved because there is no plan, just a wish.
If you want to lose weight, you need to set realistic goals and work out the steps needed to achieve these goals such as eating less, exercising more, and finding healthy ways to deal with stress and emotional pain. Giving up smoking, getting fit or saving money also requires planning and commitment.
I’m not against the idea of regularly setting goals. In fact, I think that taking the time to focus on what you’d like to achieve over the coming year is a good idea. But try not to set yourself up to fail. You are more likely to achieve that goal of spending more time with the kids if you define just how you’re going to do it.
And while I’m on the subject of goal setting, try not to become too goal oriented. Always setting your sights firmly on the future can interfere with your ability to enjoy today. If you are always working towards some goal or another, then you might start feeling as if the goalposts are forever moving. There has to be a balance between having a few realistic goals and appreciating what you have right now.
So next to every realistic goal you set, make a list of three things for which you are grateful. That way, rather than making a wish list, you will be focusing on what’s really important.
