First, let’s be clear on what a resolution is. A resolution is firm decision about something that we do not want to do (and vice versa, but mostly the former definition is the most popular). I, for a living example, would be telling myself that I’d never be late again, ever. Did it happen? Was I able to change my situation after that creating that resolution? If you think I was able to change for the better after that, you are wrong. I did not and it has gotten worst after that. I won’t, I will not, I will never, what the ****? What’s the resolution anyway?
Note: In my own context for this post, resolution is referred to as the I-will-not-do-this kind of thing.
Now, what is a goal? A goal is a result that we wanted, the outcome that we expect to happen and for me, it is more realistic because it comes with a deadline. While a goal is hard to achieve and can put pressure to any state that we are in, it pushes us to become better. What is the point of setting something that you want to achieve and then you don’t know when do you want to achieve it? Even if you are telling yourself that you’d get it in a year, it would seem like you are procrastinating and having some excuses. If it does not happen this year, you would tell yourself that you can make it happen next year. See, that is resolution. A resolution is not clearly defined like a goal. That is why New Year’s resolutions never end! We just have to break the resolution cycle!
If a goal is not achieved after the set date, then you’ve got to try again and you must not stop until you reach your goal. In my opinion, it is more achievable that way rather than falling into the trap of resolutions. We are going to say that we won’t do this and that and then after some time, we caught ourselves saying, “Omg, I did it again.” Well, that’s just an opinion but that kind of thinking stops us from being the productive persons that we are. Would you rather have more resolutions than goals? Would you rather believe in the power of I-won’t-do-this than the power of I-will-do-this on this date no matter what? What do you think is more feasible?
I am not saying that creating resolutions is a bad thing. If it worked for you, then proceed and do what applies more to you. From my experience, I’ve been dumbfounded with creating resolutions. I am left with my list never cleared. My resolutions remained as resolutions and I just felt bad about it. If we are feeling bad at some things in general, would it give justice if we just let it go? And so I did. I have let go of the numerous resolutions I have made — those countless resolutions that are put into paper but never put into reality.
Besides, most successful people say that to be able to achieve your dreams, you must achieve your goals first. After all, goals are nearer to dreams compared to resolutions. For evidence, please confirm and consult Mr. Webster. Have a great 2014 everyone!
P.S. We do not need to set many goals at once. Having set little goals that are always achieved is key rather than a bulk of resolutions that are going nowhere. It would not hurt to prepare a bucket list and do what’s in it before you kick your bucket for good! 🙂
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