New Year Resolutions…a meaningful practice or simply an annual tradition?

Tell me, do you set New Year resolutions? Nearly 60% of younger adults, age 18-34, do.  And, although only 19% of adults 55 and older set resolutions, I do too.

I’ll admit New Year resolutions do have a bad reputation— probably because the average resolution lasts less than 4 months.  And, only 5% of people stick to their resolution for six months; 1% for 12 months.

If you’re asking why would I set New Year resolutions given those statistics, let me tell you. A resolution is nothing more than an intention, a plan, or a decision to do or not to do something.

An intention.

And, what better time to set an intention and create a plan than at the beginning of a new year?  A new year that brings with it a sense of renewal and the opportunity for positive change.

For many years, my resolutions were pretty typical:  save more money, lose weight,  improve my fitness level, and clean out my basement and garage. So typical, they became perpetual and ended up feeling more like ongoing pursuits.

That was until I set a New Year’s resolution that was action-based, and grounded in a vision of my future self, who I wanted to be, and the life I wanted to live. Oh, and one more thing that I did differently— I shared my resolution and my why with my family and a few friends, creating a circle of accountability partners.

I’ll tell you all about it some other time. In the meantime, I want you to think about your future self.   

Who do you want to be?

What does the life you want look and feel like?