It's that time of year again where some of us start thinking about what our resolutions are for next year.
Sometimes these thoughts are driven by what we didn't like about this year, what we would like to, or random wishes like we make when we toss coins into a fountain.
All of this is just for fun...
right? What we have learned from wishing wells and past New Year's promises is that we shouldn't take them too seriously.
But they can be serious.
There is nothing like starting off the New Year on the bad note by promising yourself something that you know you aren't going to be able to do.
Do we really think that we can kid ourselves that way and not pay some type of price? o I'm going to stop smoking o I'm going to study harder o I'm going to spend more time with my kids o I'm going to save more money o I'm going to find that love I have been looking for These are heartfelt and worthy resolutions.
Let me redefine them as goals.
Goals are what drive us forward.
We need them.
But they will all require something from us to attain them: o Planning o Support o Help o Information o Time Here are some ideas to think about before the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve: o If you pick something that you have done before, or something that you have almost done, it increases your odds of success.
Having the confidence in yourself is your biggest asset.
o Don't resolve to do something that you already know (deep down) you won't or can't do.
Nobody likes to fail, so be careful you don't set yourself up to do just that.
o Bring somebody you trust into your confidence about your goals.
You don't want to make them feel responsible, just be able to share your quest.
o Write the resolution down.
Remembering becomes more difficult with age or alcohol.
The next day you can either laugh at your notes or think that you had a great idea.
o Start right away to make them come true.
Take your resolutions seriously.
Make them happen!