Goals Versus Resolutions

As the year comes to a close, you may be tempted to make your 2012 New Year’s Resolution List. I’ve always been more in favor of setting and planning to achieve goals, rather than making resolutions. Click here to read my thoughts on this subject last year, along with some great quotes on goal setting.

A resolution is defined as: a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group.

A goal is defined as: the end toward which effort is directed.

As defined above, both goals and resolutions seem to have merit.  Declaring our intention is one thing.  Yet, we all know that in practice resolutions are often forgotten the next day (especially New Year’s resolutions), and goals can be set and reset without consequence.  Critical components of success in goals or resolutions include commitment and accountability to oneself and/or to others to stay on course as intended.

David Benjamin wrote an article recently called Don’t be a resolutionist!  I echo David’s sentiments and think he outlines a good road map to follow if you are serious about setting and achieving goals in 2012. I especially like his idea of continually referring back to the plan and making adjustments as needed to bring about the desired result. It’s too easy to simply write down a goal and stuff it in a drawer where it never sees the light of day. Not only will goals be forgotten if not regularly reviewed, they will likely not be achieved without careful analysis and adjustment, as needed. There’s nothing wrong with course corrections. Better to adjust your goals along the way as life’s reality conflicts with your vision, than to abandon your goals entirely.

Remember what the Beatles said, “Life is what happens while you’re making plans.” Don’t give up when adversity strikes, adjust your plan and continue on the road to success.

May your 2012 be filled with possibility and prosperity!

Happy New Year!