Resolutions Vs Goals – Which Are You Making This Year?

I hate winging it – Life I mean, I’ve always hated not knowing that is in the future. I have tried to prepare, as much as I can, so I won’t be surprised. I’m one of those people that likes to have things planned out as much as possible and I set goals every year. Goals about money, healthy eating and taking time for myself. I have been successful with these some years and not so successful in others.

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? So 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 though, and when I do, I am more likely to turn my desires into reality.

Resolutions vs goals

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? A resolution is a personal determination to change something about your life that you don’t like. I think of them as wishes. It gives me a general direction to go in, but isn’t very specific. I took an informal poll on my Facebook page this week and asked what my friends thought were the most frequently made resolutions. Loose weight, was #1 by a long shot – exercise and get out of debt were a distant 2nd and 3rd. I have also had those topics as resolutions in years past and I can tell you – I was only successful doing them when they became goals!

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. Giving them the structure they need to become reality – with SMART goals is 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. We will use these in the next post to learn how to set SMART goals.

Enjoy your week, the possibilities are endless!