Don't Make Any Resolutions This Year

 That's right.  I hereby give you permission to stop the madness.  You don't have to make a single New Year's Resolution.  You don't have to set yourself up for failure and all of the negativity that goes with broken resolutions.  There are other paths to your end destination.

There's a big difference between resolutions and goals.  Resolutions are usually about big changes and dramatic results.  We all want to be thinner, more popular, wealthier and generally better people, but just resolving to be those things won't magically make it happen.  Resolutions just don't work, and here's why: There's no plan of action.

Goals, on the other hand, are specific and actionable.  To make real changes in your life that you can stick to, you need to set goals.  The difference is that goals include action verbs instead of 'being' verbs like 'be,'  or 'become.'  Instead of 'be thinner,' try 'lose 10 pounds.'  Instead of 'be more popular' try 'join a new club' or 'invite one friend to dinner each month.'  Goals are specific, do-able, and measurable.  They can be big projects, but they must be specific, do-able and measurable. 

 The key to meeting goals is to have a step-by-step plan that will take you from point A to point B.  This step-by-step plan consists of objectives.  An objective is a small, measurable step that leads you one step closer to that big important goal.  These statements need to be doable in the short run.  You should be able to accomplish them in the next day or week.  There can be no doubt about whether you did or did not meet the objective-no gray areas allowed.  For your goal of losing weight, a short term objective might be to get through today (or even your next meal!) without blowing your diet.  It might be to exericse 60 minutes.  It might be to take a 15 minute walk.  Whatever it is, it should be measurable and specific enough that you can look back and say whether you did or did not meet the objective right then. 

 Here are a few of my personal goals and objectives.  These are examples that you can follow.  Not that you should take on my goals, but rather, take a look at the form and substance.  Try to make your own personal goal list and the objectives realistic for yourself.

• Lose ten pounds
• --> Exercise 30 minutes 4 times this week
• --> Skip desserts at least 4 times this week
• Clean up the office
• --> File at least 20 papers each day this week
• --> Organize the center desk drawer by Friday

See how it works?  My objectives are small steps in the right direction.  Each day I can look back and clearly say if I did or did not meet them.  I can even keep track over time and say that I met my daily objective for the Losing Weight goal 75% of the time.  THAT would be an accomplishment!

 For many people, it's not enough to just set goals and create objectives.  We need someone looking over our shoulders and poking us in the proverbial behinds. 

Find a friend or a group or some support that you can check in with each week and report your progress.  Wanna do it here?  Be my guest!  I'll be happy to kick you in the rear if you will return the favor.  Drop a note in the comments section about how you're doing.  Be honest!  I'll try to keep you updated on my progress, as well.