Do you remember your declared resolutions of 2011? Did you succeed in keeping your resolution for the entire year? If so, congratulations! The fact remains, if you did keep your resolution for 365 days, you are one of a very small percentage of those that actually set a goal and achieved it.
I typically do not set out the year with a new resolution. I can only recall setting a goal to read a book a week a few years ago, and yes, I did accomplish my goal.
According to a research study sponsored by the Ford Foundation, 67% of the population has a general idea of what they want; however, they do not have any plans for how to get it. The same study suggests that only 3% of people say they achieve their goals.
Why compete with a 97% likelihood of failure? It is not very encouraging, to say the least. If we do succeed, we can at a minimum say we accomplished something most people will not. I believe declaring annual resolutions is setting a plan for failure on the first day of a new year. Our odds of staying “resolved” for the entire year aren’t in our favor. In fact, they are quite dismal. Time for a change!
Let’s ban the annual ritual of “resolving” goals. Instead, we simply need to be more resolute! Random House Dictionary defines resolute as firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion and characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper,spirit, actions.
In 2012, let’s all be more resolute! Imagine what we can accomplish. The fact remains we have far greater odds of succeeding in our goals if we put action and determination into our daily purpose. Temptation to stray from our goals happen when we lose our resoluteness. We need a “Make it Happen” attitude. If we lived our lives with such steadfastness, we don’t need resolutions.
We may still fail and fail often; however, by being resolute every day, we have far greater chance at succeeding at something. Being resolute allows us to look back every day to see what we accomplished. I suggest that if we are resolute about everything we do, all day and every day, our confidence will soar, and we will do more.
Time to ban resolutions! I did not set a 2012 resolution this New Year. Instead, I will be resolute. I am certainly determined to do more and be more this next year, and I am resolute to make it so!
Happy New Year
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