An Outside-the-Box Approach to New Year's Resolutions

At the start of all coaching engagements, I advise my clients to think about what they want to accomplish over the next year. An uncommon approach I use is to have them write their performance review for the following year. January is an especially good time to do this, as the new year is in front of us. What do you want to brag about on December 31? What will you be most proud of?

A year ago, I wrote “Take Time to Think”. The article focuses on the importance of allocating time to think and dream about what the future looks like for your business. Today’s advice is personal. What will make you happy about yourself? What will give you personal bragging rights?

Most people focus on resolutions. They’re going to exercise more, read more, eat less meat, ice cream, or candy. Perhaps even drink less and travel more. Sound familiar? The reality is that traditional resolutions are abandoned by February. The reason is because there is no vision for success behind them. Resolutions are the “hows”. The “how” is the strategy that enables you to get somewhere. The “what” is the vision for the end result expected. We need the “whats”.

You can always adjust your strategy. What’s important, is to keep your end goal (your vision), in mind. A common resolution is to eat less or lose weight. Ask yourself why? Do you want to lose weight to look better? Are your medical numbers out of line? Jump to the future and pick something to brag about in December.

“My old pants fit!” “I’m a size 8.” “My heart rate is now 60.” “My cholesterol is 20 points lower.”

See the difference? Fast forward to the end. Describe what success looks like for you. Set the vision. Adjust your actions all year long to keep you on track.

Another common resolution is to call family members once per week. But to what end? To yell at them every week for the way you were raised? To ask

them how they are doing every week? Trust me. That will get old real fast and not last through February. Rather, close your eyes and imagine December 2021 with your mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, or good friend. What regular interaction will make you happy when you get to the end of the year? “My daughter is now asking me for career and life advice.” There are many ways to accomplish this other than digging in on a weekly phone call. Maybe you send them a book which you discuss once every week or two. Perhaps you ask your mom and dad about their growing up. If you live apart, plan a visit or 2 during the year. If you are close, a monthly dinner. Adjust your strategy to achieve the vision of a better relationship 12 months from now. To meet the goal of calling them once per week has no value if it doesn’t result in building the relationship. There is no value in focusing on some arbitrary action versus a vision of what success will look like to you in a year.

Take some time over the next few days to describe what personal success looks like one year from now. Write it down. Put it on your refrigerator. Use it as a screen saver. Read it every night like a prayer.

Keep the Vision front and center and work toward it each week.

Here are some examples of “bragging statements” for December 31st to get you started:

• I’m wearing clothes 2 sizes smaller (the mid-range weight for a person of my size/build)

• My cholesterol/heart rate is lower by X.

• I learned basic language skills in Italian.

• I share a hobby with my son.

• We own a second property.

• I’m driving a newer car.

• I’m in a new job, more in line with what provides me energy.

• I have written at least 5 chapters of my book.

• I’ve expanded my job scope to include 2 new areas.

Have fun with this. Limit your brag sheet so you don’t get overwhelmed, but ask yourself, if I accomplish these 3 or 4 things by year-end, will I feel good about myself? The answer should be, “Yes”!