So...How are those New Year’s “resolutions” going?

The Bottom Line:

Just because you dropped the ball, that doesn’t mean you can’t pick it up again – and again.  Any and every time you choose.

Eight or nine.

That’s the percentage of Americans, according to prevailing estimates, who maintain their New Year’s resolutions long term.

That means most of us in the U.S. are in the other 91 or 92 percent; we probably have a lot of company globally, too.

Here are some thoughts for folks in that overwhelming majority.

• You can choose to view yourself as a "failure," OR you can choose to view your behavior as "less than optimal."  Notice how the first assessment is harshly judgmental, whereas the second is emotionally neutral.

• Ask yourself, “Is this goal truly important to me?”  Be honest in your answer.  If it’s not, acknowledge so and officially drop that “resolution.”

• If it is, dig deep to figure out your foundational reason why it is.  Take advantage of a tool called the 7 Layers Deep Exercise.  (I’m not sure who created this, but I know it’s powerful.)  You’ve addressed Level 1 by acknowledging, “Yes, my resolution is important to me.”  Move to Level 2 by asking, “Why is it important?”  Continue asking that questions five more times, for a total of seven.  When you persevere to Level 7, you’ll have a better understanding of the value to be gained from doing what it takes to stick with your resolution – and more motivation for doing so.

• Also make use of the highly actionable suggestions found in James Clear’s book Atomic Habits.

“Each day is a new beginning.”  Yes, this and similar observations have taken on the flavor of cliché – but clichés become so because they’re firmly rooted in truth.  That’s why using this sort of language in your personal pep talks is so valuable.

So you missed a trip to the gym, or you had a hot-fudge malt, or you interrupted your partner when they were talking.  Okay. 

• Acknowledge it without beating up on yourself. 

• Start fresh, taking advantage of the work you did with the 7 Layers Deep Exercise and/or the tips you got from Atomic Habits.

• Proceed to kick butt on creating the change you desire.

And here’s my wish for you in 2024: May this year be better than last, but not as good as next.

(BTW, thanks to Kinga Howard for posting her image on Unsplash.)