We’ve all made new year resolutions. And rarely seen them through to completion or success. The intention is good and the new year does seem like a time for fresh starts and the like. And yet…

Now that we’re getting back to our normal lives – work, the daily commute, the school run, and more – this might be the time for a more sober (!) and considered approach to resolutions and target-setting and the like. So much has been written on this of course so let’s just highlight a few aspects you might wish to consider:

  • Avoid the classic new-year’s-eve resolution-setting. If asked your answer is ‘I will set my goals by the end of January. Once the normal year gets started you might be clearer on what is really worth changing in your life.
  • Be realistic. The biggest mistake is probably the setting of unrealistic goals. It sounds great to say ‘I will lose 40kg this year’ but “sounds” does not lose those kilos. Something more like ‘I will lose 1kg to 2kg a month’ may be much more realistic, sustainable, metabolically sound, and motivating.
  • Think about your life. And what your most important challenges really are. It may be getting out debt or it may be getting active or it may be having more quality family time or it may be completing a course or qualification. But think. And decide. This involves listing some things above others. The trap to avoid is just setting yourself targets in every area. It gets overwhelming and unfocussed and ultimately, demotivating. Some unusual people can make this work, but most cannot. It is almost certainly better to start with a list lots of potential goals but then select only the most important two or three (or 4 or 5, if you really must, your call) to be your real goals and resolutions. Strategise. Prioritise.
  • Think about you who share with. Today’s world is all about social media. Sharing our lives. This can be a great thing of course. But pause for a moment. Are these goals the whole world needs to know about? Or maybe just some close friends and your partner? Or maybe just one or two work colleagues? Or maybe nobody? Your life, your call. But think about whether sharing these things will help you or maybe hinder you in becoming a better version of you this year.

We do think that the idea of setting goals and targets is a great idea. In truth it can be done at any time and many life-coaches suggest that this be an ongoing life-habit rather than an annual-event. But maybe you do want to use January as a time for some serious life-review and goal-setting. OK, that makes sense and it might work for you. But take it seriously, think carefully, be realistic, prioritise. Good luck!

Written by Dr Colin Burns