People love making New Year’s resolutions, but are not so great at keeping them. With high hopes for the future, people set their sights for the next 12 months on pushing forward their careers, saving money, making healthier lifestyle choices and protecting their mental health. It’s laudable to want to be better, but it’s challenging to stick with resolutions.
If this sounds like you, then you are not alone. According to Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, only 9% of people who make New Year’s resolutions actually keep them. Nearly a quarter of goal-setters ditch their resolutions by the first week of January, and 43% quit by the end of the month.
People fall short of their goals because they set them out of tradition rather than need. Without a need for change, it is far more challenging to stick to your resolutions, as they won’t make a meaningful impact in your life. Others do not plan for setbacks or failure, so when faced with an obstacle, they are unable to cope and give up on their resolutions entirely. People are more likely to quit their goals if there is no measure to track them. By seeing the data and actual progress, it gives you the motivation to keep moving forward. In addition to the data holding you accountable, it helps to write down your goals or share them with others, so they can help keep your eyes on the prize.
If you have yet to establish your goals for 2024 or have already fallen off the wagon, there’s no need to feel guilty or bad about yourself. It’s never too late to get back on track. Consider a holistic approach to your resolutions to ensure a sustainable path to success.
How To Refocus And Reboot Your Resolutions
Given economic and job market uncertainty, it makes sense for individuals to prioritize resolutions that can bolster their financial security, such as finding a job, holding onto a job or learning new skills to stay relevant in a fast-moving economy. These resolutions are aligned with the current economic landscape and can help individuals navigate the uncertainties of the job market and enhance their long-term career prospects.
While it’s valuable to focus on financial and career-related resolutions, it’s also important to strike a balance by addressing your mental and physical well-being, as these aspects are interconnected and contribute to your overall quality of life. Seek social support so that others can hold you accountable to your goals.
Career Development Resolutions
Ensure that your resolutions are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For example, if your goal is to acquire a new skill, specify the skill, set a target date for completion and identify how you will measure your progress.
It is essential to break down larger career goals into smaller, actionable steps or milestones. For instance, if your goal is to transition to a new role, identify the specific actions you need to take, such as updating your résumé, networking and applying for a certain number of jobs per week.
Before setting specific career resolutions, take time to reflect on your passions and priorities. This will help you align your career goals with your personal values and interests, making it more likely that you will find joy and fulfillment in your work.
Use the first hour of your day to focus on high-priority tasks or skill development. Allocate time for reflection to assess your career progress and identify areas for improvement. Commit to learning a new skill that is relevant to your career or industry. Enhance your professional social media presence to better reflect your skills and expertise.
Source: Forbes
