G2 Solutions takes a break at the end of every year to rest and reset. During that time we reflect both personally and professionally so we can start the new year relaxed and rejuvenated. Part of this process is to set our New Year’s resolutions. We assume that many of you do the same.
Here we are ending the first month of the new year. How is everyone doing in keeping those resolutions?
According to a 2023 Forbes poll 44% of resolutions don’t make it to the ides of March. But, many of us keep making and breaking our resolutions year after year.
Research tells us that we like resolutions because of the ‘fresh start effect’. The fresh start effect is a psychological phenomenon. Our brains get energized by specific benchmarks such as the start of a year. So as the ball drops in Times Square, we get a surge of energy that motivates us to identify specific actions that will make us better. This makes our brains very happy at the moment. But that surge of new year energy can start to wane as the champagne toasts give way to our day to day lives.
We chatted with family and friends over the holidays about what makes a resolution work. A wise member of our party offered this distinction. A resolution is something that should guide you throughout the year. It can provide a touchstone for inspiration. This approach is in opposition to seeing resolutions as a to-do list that becomes overwhelming or frustrating.
As we continued down the rabbit hole of resolution resolve we bandied about ways to keep resolutions vibrant and achievable. Our braintrust decided that it is all about the mindset you bring to the resolution process.
Here is the list of helpful hints that we came up with.
Really think about the WHY of your resolution. Take some time to think about the reason a particular resolution is important to you. Increasing the meaning of a resolution will make it more accessible. That doesn’t mean that a resolution has to be lofty or life changing but you need to find how it connects to something that you value. For example, one of our family member’s resolutions is to finally digitize a bunch of old photographs. That could feel like a task, but when he connected it to the importance of creating a family history for his granddaughter it elevated its meaning.
Resolutions are a process not a destination. Resolutions are a way to remind you of opportunities to grow. It should not feel like a pass/fail exercise. It’s okay to get off into the weeds and not make any progress. That is human nature. Resolutions can provide a beacon that helps you return you to the resolution road. Rather than being mad that you are off track, practice acceptance. Of course you are in the weeds. Perfection can’t be the goal because, again, we are human. Be proud that you set up a structure of resolutions that leads you back to your path of personal growth
The whole idea is that they are achievable. Resolutions need to align with who you are now. You don’t want them so audaciously aspirational that they are unrealistic. One of the people in our group who is passing through her 20s reflected that in years past she has made resolutions that were focused on some intense self development. This year she feels good about where she is and her resolutions will be more externally focused on finding some hobbies she enjoys.
Keep resolutions in perspective. Resolutions are a tool. They can be as simple as a word that frames your actions for the year. They evolve as you evolve. They can be serious or frivolous. Be grateful for them. Don’t dread looking at them. After all, what happens if you don’t achieve them? You gain valuable information about what does and doesn’t work for you. With that information in hand, you can mold your resolution process into an annual reflection that lifts you up throughout the year.
Happy 2025!
May your resolution process motivate and inspire you.
Photo by Marisol Benitez on Unsplash
Comments