This Year I Resolve To…

As 2014 finishes and 2015, (the year immortalised by the 1980’s movie Back To The Future as ‘the future’ begins), many thoughts may move towards goals, plans and resolutions.

This is the time of year that companies which deal in self-improvement thrive. Gym memberships boom, detox packages are sold by the thousand, quit lines run hot and we all dream of ‘this being the year.’

However, (sorry to burst the bubble a little), a goal without a plan is just a wish. To be effective, a goal needs to be set out clearly and you need to make yourself accountable and understand exactly wheat it means and will look like.

Take smoking as an example: many smokers resolve somewhere amongst the revelry of December 31st to give up smoking. The evidence and public health message is clear; smoking is bad for you. 

It is also highly addictive and one of the hardest habits to kick. If it is really something you want to do (as opposed to caring/nagging loved ones), get serious with your plans.

Why do you want to give up?

Write down the reasons. Be detailed and specific to your situation. Can you feel your health being affected? Is it a financial decision? Are you worried about your influence on children or other family members? Do you not like the implied weakness of being addicted to a substance? Does it remind you of a sad time in your life? (Many of these questions apply to many resolutions, or you may have others of your own).

How will you achieve your goal?

Will you seek professional advice? Will you ask a friend to be a sounding board or support? Will you use specific products to assist you? Will you keep a diary of your thoughts/feelings/cravings? Write down where you think you may have trouble and nut out a plan for that too. Be very clear and realistic. It is fine to acknowledge that you will have trouble along the way. 

What will it look and feel like to achieve your goal?

Imagine your lungs clear, your blood pressure returning to normal, the extra money in your wallet, the feeling of power and success, and write all those down too. You need to know what you will actually gain personally by making your resolution come true. If you can feel it and see it and almost literally taste it, it will be much easier to achieve. 

Take it one step at a time.

If you have several major changes you wish to make in your life, tackle them in sequence. You have 12 whole months to work with – if you have four goals, plan you year out and do one every three months. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and significant changes deserve significant attention. It will be easier to focus and you will be more likely to succeed if you give each goal proper attention.

Good luck!