-Goals vs. Resolution; which works better?
It has come to that time of the year when we start seeing bizarre objectives, mind bugging decisions, and a quick change belief system. It becomes enormously scattered all over the web that it all seems like the first day of a new year is entirely different from the last day of the other day and there is a need to match the energy it comes with.
Everyone is busy following the trend that we do not take out some moments to question the trends. For a large group of individuals to follow a belief system doesn’t make it entirely right. If the date never existed, will the last day of the year be different from the first day of the next year?
What is so peculiar with setting goals on the last day of every year? Why can’t we set goals any time of the year?
These unsettled discussions continue the unending battle of Goals vs. Resolution, with different individuals going for whichever lane they feel works best for them.
Our social media timelines are flooded with funny conversations and threads;
-Did I offend you this year? DM, let’s sort it out.
I’m sorry, forgive me.
-Did I make a promise I didn’t fulfill?
DM let me fulfill it
-Here’s what I promise to stop doing come 2021.
This spurs up a lot of thoughts in me as to why will people always have to wait till the end of the year before they ask for forgiveness for what they did wrong in the past.
Why do you have to wait before starting something you know is right and beneficial for you and/or others when you could have started it earlier?
These belief systems have been for quite a long time now and making them slightly impossible to teach an individual anything contrary to these. But you know, what feels best for you might not be what works best, there could be slight differences between goals and resolutions that you are not getting straight.
What is the difference between a resolution and a Goal?
Resolution: a ‘rigid’ decision to do something, start something or quit something.
Goals: a systematic approach towards an ambition. This could involve setting plans, drafting objectives to achieve the goal.
Resolutions are always firm and stiff. They are like a do-or-die thing. Some examples of resolutions include; Lose 30 pounds next year, quit smoking, run a marathon, build a house, end the year with a hundred thousand dollars in my account.
These come with a strong resolve to reach a definite task.
Goals are laid out plans. They can be short-term or long-term. They are spread out with defined plans, a deadline, and a flexible system that keeps them liable to adjustment.
Resolutions can be turned into goals and fixed in a way that it wouldn’t all happen on the first day of the year but will be spread out to be achieved as the year rides on.
I do not believe in the efficacy of resolutions. A smoker cannot automatically quit the habit on the first day of the month. There is no magic motivation that set your life straight on the first day of fixing a resolution. Life is all a process and to achieve a lot out of it, plans should be laid down as a walk through each process.
What connection is there between making New Year’s resolutions and setting goals?
Resolutions and setting goals are important mechanisms in the life of a lot of people. These systems are considered as aids to success and individuals who set goals or have New Year’s resolutions are seen to end the year in a more successful way than those who do not because they live the whole year with a defined purpose.
These two systems are usually placed side by side each making it an unarguable fact that the means to reaching your new year’s resolutions is by setting smart goals.
The aim of making New Year’s resolutions or setting goals is to achieve them. This makes it essential that you must ensure that your resolutions are drafted healthily, attached with goals that will make them easy to achieve.
What are good resolutions?
Good resolutions are well-thought-out decisions, carefully weighed, and set in a manner that makes them healthy and easy to achieve.
Good resolutions are not set with drastic and exorbitantly high expectations, a do-or-die motive, or a rigid structure, but are designed in a flexible pattern that makes them open to adjustments if plans didn’t work out as planned.
How to set smart goals?
I always prefer setting goals to making New Year’s resolutions, but if I should set one, they must be smart goals.
Setting smart goals helps you clarify your ideas, define your plans, and map out a defined system that will help you achieve them.
The concept of Smart Goals was derived from Peter Drucker’s Concept- Management by Objectives. Smart Goals have remained relevant for a long time and you should try them out.
To set smart goals, your goals must be;
Specific
Your goals must be direct, defined, and simple. They must be explicitly laid out, not bogus, but clearly stated for easy understanding. Your goals must cover the five ‘W’ questions;
What do you want to achieve?
Why do you want to accomplish them?
Which resources will be needed for its accomplishment, and what resources might limit its success or boost its accomplishment?
Where do you need to launch your goals, how far can you go?
When you wish to accomplish them?
Measurable
Smart goals are quantifiable and easy to measure. They are easily measurable when they are motivating and meaningful because you can easily know when you achieve any of them and there will always be self-motivation to lead out the rest.
Achievable
These goals should not be imaginary. They must be attainable and realistic.
Relevant
Goals can be set for pleasure or fun, but the result must be worthwhile. Your goals must be result-based, backed up with societal relevance, and a drive to achieve something useful.
Time-Bound
Time is the denominator of life’s affairs. It can be transformed to become the enemy of man, or maximized to become your great tool for deployment.
Each goal should have a deadline. This helps you decide which goals should become long-term and which goals should be short-term.
Why you should make New Year resolutions and set goals
The beauty of making New Year resolutions or setting goals is that you live the rest of the year with the mindset that you have things to achieve.
You can decide to make it fun by rewarding yourself with a gift whenever you achieve a goal.
