Resolutions (Or Better Yet, 2023 Goals!)

Raise your hand if you make resolutions every year! Now, raise your hand if you keep them past the first week of January! How about February? (hmmm, I’m seeing less hands raised)

I found some interesting statistics about resolutions here. While about 41% of Americans make resolutions, only 9% of them are successful at keeping them. Seems pretty bleak. I mean, why even bother? Strava even dubs January 19 “Quitter’s Day,” the day that many people opt-out of meeting their resolution(s).

So, what we do? Should we forego making resolutions each year? Or do we strive to be the 9% that are successful? I’ve decided this year to strive for the 9% (I know, pretty lofty) and I invite you to join me. The first step for me is to dump the term “resolution” for myself and move towards creating goals for 2023. The term resolution, according to The Britannica Dictionary, is “the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc.” To me, that sounds like I’m a problem that needs to be fixed, not very inspiring. No wonder people aren’t accomplishing their resolutions. A goal, in the same dictionary, is defined as “something that you are trying to do or achieve.” That sounds more action-oriented and positive to me. I’m not a problem to be fixed, but rather an individual who can continuously improve. This shift in mindset about how I want to kick off the new year helps me put a more positive spin on entering 2023.

With this fresh perspective and focus on goals, here is my planning process to kickoff 2023 motivated, focused, and inspired:

1. First, I block off time in December on my calendar for reflection and goal-setting. This year, I blocked off a half day for this activity. This means my email is shut off, my phone is silenced, I work in a space with a closed door, and I put do not disturb (DND) on my instant messages. I recommend at least two hours set aside for this activity (one hour each for professional and personal focus).
2. Next, I look back at my calendar, emails, goals, and everything I participated in, accomplished, etc. over the last year. With a blank piece of paper or an open document on my computer, I list out:

1. the accomplishments I am most proud of and/or had the biggest impact (what were my biggest wins?)
2. the big misses (what were the biggest missed opportunities, mistakes, and/or items I didn’t accomplish?)
3. the top learning moments (where did I grow the most? what were the biggest lightbulb moments for me? What new knowledge, skills, or abilities did I gain this year?)

I wish you luck on your goals (or resolutions) journey for 2023! Keep it simple, focus on something you are passionate about, and have fun with it! (and wish me luck too, my reflection/goal session is set for December 20, 2022).