Setting Goals for the New Year

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.  -Anonymous  

I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions, so I usually don’t make any.  People who make New Year’s resolutions tend to become frustrated when they are unable to keep them.  Such resolutions are sometimes not carefully thought out, are made in haste, or they are based on present feelings or emotions.  It all sounds pretty good on January first, but by the time March or April rolls around we are wondering why we thought we could do this all year – whatever the resolutions was.  Don’t make a resolution you honestly don’t believe you can or will keep.  What I mean is, before you pay a year in advance for the membership at the local health club, be certain you intend to follow through with that commitment.   

Rather than make resolutions, try instead to set a few goals which you believe you can achieve in the coming year.  As you consider goals for the coming year, think in terms of goals that are reasonable and attainable.  Write down a list of possible goals, and then go back and determine which ones are the most feasible.  Develop a plan as to how your goals can be accomplished.  Having narrowed them down to a few reasonable goals, take steps to put them into action.  We often think of achievements such as losing weight or taking up an exercise program.  Those are fine, but think also about goals that pertain to attitude.   

Consider these suggestions to put into practice for the New Year which will assist in being a happier and more positive person:

• Resolve to stop making negative statements.  Condemning and hateful remarks have a harmful effect on our outlook and interpersonal relationships.  Make a conscious decision to make positive statement rather than negative.
  

• Resolve to be a better listener.  Learn to relax during a conversation.  Let others have the glory when telling their story.  Learn to stop and seriously listen to what people are saying to you.  Rest assured that you will get your chance to speak.  Being a better listener will have a powerful effect on how you relate to your family, friends, and coworkers.
  

• Resolve to start being on time.  Countless people are always running late.  Make a decision that in the coming year you will learn to better manage your time so that you will arrive on time where you are supposed to be.  As a result you will be more relaxed and focused.
  

• Resolve to compliment others, tell people you appreciate them, and say “thank you” when someone does something nice for you.  The little attitude adjustments can work wonders on our outlook over the long haul.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get ready, for the New Year has come. 

It’s going to be a great year!