It’s that time again – the time when everyone makes and then breaks their New Years resolutions. I’m continuously reminded of the things I’ve not followed through with in the past as I see more and more people publicly declare their intents on social media channels. Facebook profiles and Twitter statuses have been ripe with commitments sure to be broken.
But it sure sounds good and looks good to tell everyone what it is that you’re going to try and follow through on.
I think that’s a big part of the whole resolution thing. Tell people that you’re going to do something so that there’s some sort of outward pressure on you to follow through. The problem is, when it’s a resolution to do something for yourself (lose weight, go vegetarian, exercise more, watch less TV, etc.) then the third party doesn’t actually care beyond a slight curious interest at how it’s going. And that wanes quickly.
So this year I propose to anyone out there that you embrace the post-resolution. Make a commitment to yourself, but don’t tell anyone about it until AFTER you’ve accomplished it. Focus on the doing part of the resolution instead of the telling part. Show progress and follow-through. Actually make it happen.
I’ve got my list. I’m going to work on it. Once any of the things are done or to the point at which they signify an accomplishment, I’ll tell ya about it. Until then, though – it’s up to me to not disappoint myself and to follow through.
Enough talking. More doing.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!