Have you ever made a new year’s resolution before? How many times did you succeed in achieving those resolutions? Although we go into the new year with good intentions of wanting to achieve it, most people will give up by the first month. New year resolutions are infamous for being difficult to keep and there is a reason behind this. Keep reading to find out the secret to actually achieving your goals and transforming your life!
Why do new year’s resolutions fail?
A research has found that around half of all adults create New Year’s resolutions but only fewer than 10% manage to keep them for more than a few months. Here are common reasons why most people struggle with achieving their resolutions:
- Thinking too big. Sometimes we set really huge resolutions and get confused with where to start.
- Not ready for change. Many of us are only looking for a new experience and not truly committed into making a real change.
- Not having a strong motivation. We often believe that we should be doing something just because others are doing it. Following trends or peer-pressure aren’t going to motivate us to keep on track when we’re busy or tired from other responsibilities.
- You should’ve set goals instead of resolutions.
Creating real changes
In this THRIVE article, we have encouraged you to practise self-reflection and gratitude. If you have tried it, then I’m sure you have a clearer picture of your current life by now. It could be the growth you’ve made over the year or an area in your personal life that you want to improve on. This is very important as it prepares you with a better direction and clearer goals to follow in the future. Real changes are always easier to make when you are prepared and ready for it.
What is goal setting?
A resolution is a statement of what you want to change, such as joining a student club. A goal, however, is a statement of what you want to achieve, what are the steps needed to achieve it, and when you want to achieve it by. For instance, exploring different student clubs for the next few weeks, so you can join one and become an active member by next month. So try goal-setting instead of a new year’s resolution!
Why do people set goals?
People may set goals for various benefits such as improving their lives or wellbeing. Goals can help:
- Motivate you to try new things
- Communicate your aims and concerns
- Make you feel in control of your life
- Track your change or progress
- Achieve challenging tasks
Goal setting strategies
1. The classic “SMART” goals
S (Specific) – What particular area do you want to improve or accomplish? Who’s responsible for it?
M (Measurable) – How will you measure progress and know when you’ve achieved your goal?
A (Achievable) – Do you think it is possible or realistic to achieve the goal?
R (Relevant) – Why are you setting this goal and is it aligned with your overall objectives?
T (Timely) – When will you achieve this goal?
2. The 80/20 rules
The Pareto principle states that 80% of your results come from 20% of actions. If you want to make the most impact, then you need to be able to identify which activities you need to invest your time and energy to.
Here’s how you can apply it to your goals:
- List out all of your goals
- Assign a value (1-10) to each of these goals based on their impact
- Identify which of those goals have the highest impact or in the top 20%
- Prioritise and focus on those specific goals
- Receive 80% of results through the least effort
3. The backward goals
If you aren’t sure about what goal you want or the steps to achieve it, then working backward can help you understand it better.
Let’s try this:
- Visualise the future you want
- Describe that future in a few words and set large goals
- Break down those goals and think about what it might involve
- Analyse your current situation and identify the gaps between your current state and that goal
- Add in the things or requirements needed to reach that desired future
For example, Peter’s ultimate goal is to receive a student award by the end of 2025. Then, Peter realised that in order to do that, he has to be an active and contributing member in the College before the year ends. As he works backwards some more, he noticed that it would require him to join a student club or program at least starting from next month. Continuing to work back, he will know that the very first milestone to accomplish is registering in a College student program such as the volunteering or peer mentoring program. This is how you can make yourself a good plan!
And just like that, we’ve reached the final THRIVE article of the year. Thank you for joining us every fortnight and allowing us to share these stories with you. It’s been a journey, and we’re so grateful to have had you with us through it all.
Do you remember our inaugural article? We encouraged you to start the year by embracing a growth mindset, and I hope you’ve carried that spirit with you throughout the ups and downs of this year. We wish you a joyous holiday season and a fresh, bright start to the year ahead. Here’s to growth, new beginnings, and all the wonderful things to come.
Cheers to a happy and fulfilling new year!
