We all have goals and aspirations that we want to achieve. But when do you start working on them? Getting started is so hard. There is always the new year. It’s a great time to start new things, but what about when it’s March? Do you wait all the way till next year? Birthdays are also great times to set new goals, but the same question applies. Even with those resolutions, what happens when you “fail”?
So many people can’t keep to New Year’s resolutions. About 10% will actually succeed by year’s end. That’s disheartening to someone who wants to make a change. I know I question what makes me different and able to succeed. This brings us back to the question of what to do?
The Problem
I think the first step to finding a solution is figuring out the problem. My diagnosis is that life is busy. A groundbreaking discovery, I know. Let’s look at a common example, working out and getting in shape. You know you can’t just say, “I want to exercise more”. There needs to be some sort of qualitative measuring standard to determine if you have succeeded or not. Therefore, you say you are going to work out 4 times a week and want to lose 10 pounds.
You work out constantly 4 times a week for all of January, and you are feeling good. But then February rolls around, and a big project at work comes up, and you are stuck there late every night. The first two nights, you stick to your goal, but come night three, you are tired and don’t go. The same for the rest of the week. Now you have failed your resolution, what is the point in continuing on?
The Solution
This is why I created Monday resolutions. Not every week looks the same. Especially as the year goes on and seasons change. We need more flexibility with some of our schedules.
It is nice to be able to start fresh every week as well. If you don’t succeed the week before, no problem, you have a new chance! No need to wait a whole year to start again.
I find in my life that looking at a smaller chunk of time makes it seem less overwhelming to get started. It is easier to think about working out three times this week than 156 times this year.
Small Goals
I have found it particularly helpful to use Monday resolutions to achieve smaller goals, like wanting to floss more or memorize Scripture. (Check out my easy scripture memorization strategy here.)
How It Works
The execution starts with looking at your calendar to see what is going on in the week ahead to determine what is feasible. Write down what days you can hit the gym, what healthy meals you can reasonably make, or how many pages of that book you can get read.
Knowing your personality will help you a lot in this. Are you the kind of person who needs to be challenged a bit? Would you do better with a few easy wins to get the ball rolling? Only you can decide what will motivate you best.
For a smaller goal, you might not need the calendar. Things like flossing or making your bed are more about building the habit through repetition than making sure you have time each day.
I hope this concept helps to simplify resolutions and wish you the best of luck in achieving all your goals. I would love to know what your Monday resolutions are in a comment below.
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