Life Conversations: Resolution Time...Again

Time isn’t holding up; time isn’t after us…

There we are same as it ever was – Talking Heads ‘Once In A Lifetime’ song

Epictetus has the perfect question for us: 'How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?'

2018 is almost over. As January rolls in, it is time for making 'new year resolution.' Some will come up with brand new goals. Most will come up with some version of previous goals set over the years. Every one of us wants to improve, wants to be better, have better habits, live better, think better. However, we can't seem to actually do it. Time passes, the plans don't come to pass. So, do you change your approach or continue doing the same old goal-setting ritual?

Since I turned forty, I have had years of success making and keeping my resolutions. Meeting my goals have been attributed to one habit I have spent years learning, reflection! Before I set any new year goals, I take stock and reflect on my previous year goal, my approach, my honest analysis of achievement, learnings, and challenges.

Most people do a cursory review by calling pass/fail of last year goal. We justify why we missed the target due to many life events. We promise ourselves that next year will

be different. Every December we restart goal setting like every other year, miss it, justify it, promise not to repeat, and fail again. Rinse and repeat this formula year after year.

We all have done this formula many times in our life. The path forward lies through reflection and self-introspection. In this busy world, we are happy to move to the next step quickly without finishing the reflection part of the process.

Long-term plans do not only rely on a good strategy but also on past learnings and making modifications to adjust based on previous experience. Should your new year resolution follow the process of long-term goal setting as a strategy?

December is my time to ask the following questions!

1) How did I do on my goal? What score will I give it?

2) If the rating is not an 'A,' then what should I have done to get an A?

3) What worked and what did not work?

4) Was the goal realistic enough to start with? If not, why?

5) What excuses did I make during the year to justify slacking off my goal?

As I followed this level of introspection, my subsequent years of goal setting has been more realistic, and my grades have gotten to A quickly & consistently.

Happy goal setting, but happy introspection time.

#reflection #Goals #achievement #NewYear