How To Approach Resolutions

Well, it's that time of year. The end of it.

But also the time where you're probably thinking about some new resolutions.

Wether you really buy into it or not, resolutions are an easy thing to think about and it's a popular time to work on some goal setting.

So, if you have found yourself in this boat and are trying to come up with your resolutions or goals, here are a few things I'd suggest you consider when you do.

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PREPARE IN THE DAYS LEADING UP

Aka now. This is a great time to think about your goals.

Figure them out now so you have a few days to prepare (however that might look for you) and to practice implementing any behaviors you might need.

This is also a great time to see how realistic your goals or resolutions might actually be and to adjust them accordingly.

FOCUS ON BEHAVIOR BASED GOALS > OUTCOME BASED GOALS

When coming up with your resolutions, try to focus on behavior based goals.

Outcome based goals are easier to think of and a really popular one for resolutions (think "I want to lose 30 pounds in two months!") however they lack what is actually required to achieve them - behaviors.

Behaviors will get you to your goals but are the most difficult to actually implement. So, consider the behaviors needed to get you to your goal.

If you are trying to build muscle, you need to lift consistently, eat well, and recover better. Those are the main behaviors. But what will it take for you to do those things?

If lifting consistently requires you to be packed the night before, that's something you need to focus on.

If eating well means you need to prep your meals, that's something you need to focus on.

If recovering better means you need to get to sleep earlier, that's something you need to focus on.

And the additional steps to make those happen.

Outcome based goals lack the thought that makes a behavior based goal or resolution more likely to succeed. That isn't to say they aren't great goals, but they simply need a little bit deeper thought and often just need to be broken down into slightly smaller behaviors.

CONSIDER NOT ASSIGNING A TIMELINE

There are many aspects to achieving a goal or having a successful resolution that are outside of our control.

When you add an arbitrary timeline to a goal, it doesn't take that into account.

On top of that, many of these timelines are unrealistic from the start. So, if you are wanting to put a timeline on a goal, I highly suggest extending whatever the timeline is.

This way life can happen and things can come up as you work towards it.

TRY TO COMPLETE TASKS EARLY IN THE DAY

Before the day has a chance to catch up, try completing as many tasks as you can that get you one step closer to your goal.

Remember how we broke down the behaviors that you might need? Try getting as many of those done earlier in the day so you don't have the pressure of completing them at the last minute as the day goes on.

TELL PEOPLE AROUND YOU

Let your friends, family, and support group know about your goals and resolutions.

When other people know, not only will they likely show their support more but they can also help mold your environment to make them more attainable.

Plus, you'll get a little outside pressure to help encourage your adherence :)

There's no right way to the New Year and there's no reason you need to do resolutions, either. But, if you do find yourself doing a bit of goal-setting or wanting to set resolutions, try thinking of them with these points in mind.