Resolutions Vs Goals – Which Are You Making This Year?

I love this time of year, when we get to think about starting over. Who doesn’t have something in their life they would like a do-over on? No matter what my resolutions or goals were last year, I can start fresh.  I always need to remember the difference between resolutions vs goals, and when I do, I am more likely to turn my desires into reality.

Resolutions Vs Goals

A resolution is a personal determination to change something about your life that you don’t like. I think of them as wishes. They give me a general direction to go in, but isn’t very specific. 

Is there a place for resolutions in your life? I think there is. Resolutions are the beginning of goal setting. You cannot take it to the next step, actually setting the goal, until you know what you want.

Your New Year’s challenge is to take some time over the next few weeks and DECIDE what you’re committed to achieving – What do you want in the 10 areas of your life that are listed below?

1. Happiness/Wellbeing
2. Freedom (to travel, purchase or dream )
3. Spiritual/Mental
4. Education/Personal Development
5. Relationships (self and others)
6. Family
7. Career
8. Finance
9. Health
10. Preparedness

Don’t set the goal yet, just get a good idea for the things you would like to change in your life. These are  your resolutions – a personal determination to change. See yourself living with more happiness, better health and being prepared. What will these look like in your life?

Goal Setting Basics

Goals on the other had are concrete and measurable. You can take the time to hope, dream and imagine a better life, but unless you actually create GOALS and decide how you will get them done, they will remain a wish.

You need to give your goals the structure they need to become reality – SMART goals are the answer.

SMART goals are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic and
• Timed

So this week, while you are taking the time to dream, pick something to achieve from each of the 10 categories that will make the biggest difference in your life.

Here are some posts from our site and around the web to help you:
PreparednessMama – learn to set SMART goals with this downloadable SMART goal sheet
PreparednessMama – 15 Common Goal Setting Mistakes 
Michael Hyatt – The 10 Biggest Mistakes in Goal Setting
Huffington Post – Five Smart Financial Goals
Chron.com – Small Lifestyle Changes Help You Reach Health Goals

I challenge you to dare to dream and share some of your goals for the upcoming year in the comments area below. Make it a great year!