A Little Bit of Resolve
As Dave Grohl wrote, “A little bit of resolve is what I need now.” I’m not talking about a carpet cleaner. This is the time of year we make resolutions, but what is a resolution, and why do most fail? Resolve is the root of resolution. Resolve means to settle or find a solution, to decide firmly on a course of action, or to have a firm determination to do something. Many times we don’t get detailed enough when we set resolutions or goals. We decide the outcome and think that’s enough. To succeed, we need to ask ourselves, "How?, How?, How?" Do this at least three times to dig deep enough to actually create a detailed plan for change. Here are five common mistakes in how we approach making changes and some solutions to combat those mistakes.
Mistake #1: Going with the first thing that pops into your head
Most people make resolutions on a whim without giving them much thought. A better strategy is to find some quiet time to evaluate what’s important to you. Get out in nature and go for a leisurely walk or bike ride, or try sitting quietly and meditating on what you desire most in your life right now. Answer this critical question — If anything were possible, what change would you like to see? Using all of your senses, create a vision of what it would be like when this change is made. If you’re struggling, brainstorm with friends and have them act as a sounding board.
Solution #1: Give it Some Thought
Mistake #2: Thinking about your goals but not recording them anywhere
One of the most powerful tools for achieving your goals is the act of writing them down. According to research by Dr. Gail Matthews at Dominican University in California, you are 42% more likely to reach your goals if you write them down. Put your specific goal on paper and plaster it all over your house. Tape it on your bathroom mirror, hang it on your fridge, post a note on your computer screen, and share it on social media. These will serve as constant reminders of what you’re trying to accomplish, and they will increase your awareness of new opportunities that come your way that will bring you closer to your goal.
Solution #2: Write Goals Down
Mistake #3: Making your goals broad and open-ended
I want to...travel more, find a romantic partner, become a millionaire, or lose weight. With sweeping goals like these, it’s hard to know where to start. Begin by focusing on one area of your life – relationships, career, finances, health, spirituality, or pleasure. Instead of making it big, bold, and daunting, choose a realistic goal and break it into small actionable steps that can be measured within a given time frame. Break your plans down by quarters, months, and weeks. As you reach the benchmarks you set, celebrate your successes with small rewards.
Solution #3: Be Specific and Detailed
Mistake #4: Keeping it a Secret
Many people hesitate to share their goals with family, friends, or co-workers to spare themselves the embarrassment of telling them they have made little progress toward their goal. Instead of keeping it to yourself, share your aspirations and plans, especially with those who care about you. This positive peer pressure can motivate you to take action. Matthews’ research shows that when you not only write your goals down, but also receive support from a friend or family member, it significantly increases your chance of success.
Solution #4: Tell Someone Your Goals
Mistake #5: Waiting to Get Started
Procrastination is the biggest obstacle to achieving your goals and living the life you truly want. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” What changes do you really want in your life? Take time now to think about what’s important to you. How do you want to progress in 2024? You might have several goals come to mind, but consider choosing just one that is a high priority for you.
Solution #5: Do Something Today
Now that you know some mistakes to avoid, why not get started on your vision for 2024? Have you been wanting to add a capstone project to a course, but never get around to doing it? Do you want to write your own textbook? Are you ready to add an experiential learning project to provide students with a real-world experience? Is this the semester to finally create videos for your online course? If it’s your desire, make it into a reality this year. Ditch the perfectionist attitude, write down a goal and some daily, weekly, and quarterly milestones, and make the first step today–not tomorrow. You’ll be shocked at what you can accomplish.
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