Incorporating Your Values & Needs to Your New Years Resolution
New Year’s Resolutions are a popular way to focus ourselves for the coming year and prioritize our goals. In theory, this should work, right? So why do so many resolutions fail? There are a few reasons which we’ll go over in this article including how to create SMART goals and how to incorporate your values and needs so that you stay motivated!
WHY DO SO MANY New Years Resolutions FAIL?
1. UNFOCUSED, AMBIGUOUS GOAL SETTING
Unrealistic goals are a recipe for failure. Too often, lofty, unfocused goals lead to frustration and disappointment. So, the resolution just doesn’t stick.
2. NO CLEAR PLAN FOR ACHIEVING THEIR GOALS.
It’s important to have a step-by-step plan for how you will achieve your resolution, rather than just stating the goal itself. As you break down your goals and the steps towards acheiving them, you gain a sense of confidence.
One way to develop a clear plan is to use the SMART goal setting method.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-Bound
By setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound, you increase your chances of success.
- For example, instead of saying “I want to get fit,” a SMART goal would be “I will go to the gym three times a week for 30 minutes each session and track my progress using a fitness tracker.”
- This goal is:
- specific (going to the gym)
- measurable (tracking progress with a fitness tracker)
- attainable (three times a week is doable)
- relevant (it helps you get fit)
- time-bound (30 minutes each session)
Focus on What Matters To You
Incorporating your personal values and needs when goal setting, or even writing out your New Years Resolution, will also increase your chances of sticking to it. Your personal values are the things that are most important to you, such as family, health, or career. Your core needs are the fundamental needs that drive your behavior, such as security, belonging, or self-expression.
By setting resolutions that align with your personal values and core needs, you will be more motivated to stick to them. For example, if family is a top value for you and your resolution is to spend more quality time with your loved ones, you will be more motivated to follow through on your resolution because it aligns with your values.
It’s also important to be realistic about the time and resources you have available to devote to your resolution. If you don’t have the time or resources to commit to your resolution, it will be difficult to stick to it.
In summary, New Year’s resolutions often fail because they are unrealistic, lack a clear plan, or don’t align with our personal values & needs. By setting SMART goals and incorporating your values and needs, you can increase your chances of success. If you are looking to focus on your personal growth and need support, we’re here to help! Take control and make this year the year you achieve your goals.
