How (not to) set resolutions this year…

Happy new year!

I hope you had an awesome festive season. 

I know this is the time of year for resolution-setting, so I wanted to take a moment to check-in with all my perfectionists out there. You know who you are. 

This is probably how past new year’s resolutions have gone…

• January 1st: set BIG resolution (to start tomorrow obviously).
• January 2nd: buy planner & create strict schedule to achieve goal. 
• Next two weeks: LET’S GO…. action, action, action.
• January 15th: motivation seems to be missing in action. 
• January 16th: don’t stick 100% to schedule.
• January 17th: decide you’re a failure and may as well give up. 

Sound familiar? 

Now look, I LOVE goals. 

I especially love the part where I get to buy a new planner… ☺

And goals are important. Research shows that people who set deliberate goals are more likely to achieve the outcomes they want in life. 

BUT – giant caveat … you also have to be self-aware. 

Perfectionism kills goals. 

All-or-nothing thinking kills goals. 

So if you’re a perfectionist, PLEASE factor that into your plans this year. 

Know yourself. 

Understand that when you (inevitably) lose motivation, don’t stick to your plan 100%, have a down day (or five), fall behind etc. etc., YOU GET TO DECIDE what that means. 

Your habit brain will want to tell you it’s over and to give up. It wants relief. 

My advice is to accept that setbacks are inevitable and PLAN FOR THEM. 

• Set timeframes that allow for setbacks.
• Decide (now) what you’ll make them mean.
• Create a plan (now) for how you’ll respond and evaluate.

Consistency over time (including your response to setbacks) is EVERYTHING. 

Now – go get your BIG goals!

I’m cheering you on.