Achieving resolutions

There's something iconic about starting the New Year with a New Year’s resolution. We all know setting goals is beneficial for success. Those that want, will get. Oftentimes people make resolutions that are so far-fetched and lofty that they are neither practical or achievable. Sometimes they make them light-heartedly, and they're over before the first week of the year. Whatever your resolution is, let’s make sure you achieve it. 

1. Write a list

When you're working towards a “real” resolution (a practical and achievable goal), make sure you break it down. It doesn’t have to be the perfect 10 step plan, but at least outline the key achievable milestones. Don’t set dates for your tasks, as this can place overwhelming pressure to achieve them, and leave you with a powerful sense of failure when you don’t meet your deadlines. When you do it is up to you. A powerful resolution could even turn into a multi-year plan. But make sure you know what you have to do. As long as you’re ticking your way down your list, the compounding benefits of achievement are going to add up. Eventually, you’re going to find yourself exactly where you want to be. And next year you’ll find your goals are a little bit larger, and even the most unachievable and lofty ambitions closer in reach.

Some catches are worth throwing back in the ocean

When working through your steps to achieve your resolution, it’s good to get an understanding of your baseline chance of success. How likely are you to achieve your goals with little to no effort? Which steps have higher chances of failure compared to others? Which ones require collaboration with others, or would be more beneficial completed under guidance? It's good to maximize your opportunities for success, and minimize your chances of failure. The higher baseline chance of success you believe you have, the more you should focus on removing any chances of failure. For tasks that require less effort, or have a very high chance of success, the more you should be looking to maximize your opportunities in steps further down the line.

Some problems just need a good hammerin'

Whatever your thoughts on resolutions may be, it's important to have one. It’s important to understand what steps need to be taken to achieve your goals, and it’s even more important to action those steps. Like running down a hill, it only takes a few quick strides before you’re running at full speed. And if you’re running towards the end of a rainbow, you may even find yourself a pot of gold. Happy New Year!