When I think of New Year’s resolutions, I think ‘Ugh – I have to declare something hard.’ I think of failure. I think of unfulfilled promises to myself. I think of people talking about how long they lasted – a day, two days, a week.
I just googled ‘new years resolutions broken’ and see that Time magazine listed the ‘Top 10 Commonly Broken New Year’s Resolutions.’ Here they are:
1. Lose weight and get fit
2. Quit smoking
3. Learn something new
4. Eat healthier and diet
5. Get out of debt and save money
6. Spend more time with family
7. Travel to new places
8. Be less stressed
9. Volunteer
10. Drink less
Some research shows that 60% of us don’t even make them because 80% of those that do break them!
Perhaps I can’t change the world, but I’d at least like to up your odds a bit of succeeding.
Let’s just take the word ‘resolution.’ (noun, 1. The process of resolving, 2. Decision, 3. Determination, 4. Solution, 5. Subsiding of symptoms ...) Most of those words sound like we are trying to fix a problem. Like something is broke that needs to be fixed. Something that is going to take some hard work, determination, fortitude. It kind of all sounds heavy and hard.
How about a New Year’s Affirmation – from the word affirm (noun, 1. declare something to be true, 2. declare support for something, 3. confirm something.) That has a little more positive spin.
Perhaps a New Year’s Vision – envision you’re there! Act the part. Create energy and excitement around having accomplished ‘it.’ What would it look like if it was so cool it drew you towards it? What would make you want to run – no walk, not push - RUN?
How about a New Year’s Play (verb, 1. Engage in enjoyable activity, 2. Take part in game or sport, 3. Compete against somebody, 4 act in a particular manner …)
What if you could wake up and say ‘Game on! Let’s Play?’
What if you stepped into being the All-Star I know you are capable of becoming in this game? This is the 'Big Game.' This will be hugely meaningful when you win!
What if you could make it fun?
What if it was so much fun it was easy!
So what would make it fun and easy? (If you say, ‘I don’t know’ to that - I say what would make it fun and easy if you did know!)
I challenge you to ‘play’ with those questions. Brainstorm them with your best friend, your spouse, your kids. See what you can come up with.
Now any time it gets hard to keep that resolution – tap into your affirmation – your vision - your play!
Game On – Go Play!!