“The meaning of resolution is “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” The key words are “firm decision”. If you make a firm decision about something then you must also take action and set a deadline, in other words, set a goal!” Catherine Pulsifer.

A few days into January of 2021 and the number of motivated individuals across the globe is through the roof. There is no data to prove that this might be the only week of the year where there is the highest number of people working towards improving themselves. But the eye test does not lie, we both know and are familiar with the resolutions we personally make each year. History has taught us that the morale to work towards the resolutions that have been set, diminishes over time. We discuss a few steps on how to ensure you do not go off the track this year.

• CONSISTENCY

Mike and Ike set similar goals to get healthy and exercise often. Mike showed up to the gym at 4 AM and worked extremely hard for 4 grueling hours for five days a week. Ike on the other hand showed up at 7 AM and only worked out for half an hour. As time went by Mike started to show up less and less and would skip a day every now and then, eventually, he stopped going to the gym. Ike showed up to the gym every day for the rest of the year and maintained his thirty-minute workout routine.

What we can learn from this hypothetical scenario is that it is not about how hard you work but about who is more consistent. Take a look at your goals and work on them consistently all year long.

• PREPARATION

It goes without saying that the lack of preparation will lead to failure. As Benjamin Franklin once put it, “By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.” Do not just blindly work on your goals, create a plan for execution, and make it happen. I challenge you to create a 12-month plan, whereby you will list what actions need to be taken in order to accomplish your resolutions.

• COMMUNICATION

As humans, we connect through the use of language. It is through the relations we form with each other that we get to expand our network. It is therefore essential to work towards being an effective communicator.  Effective communication leads to efficiency in doing things. And if that is the case, you will find yourself with some extra time this year to work towards your resolution(s).

• HABITS

It takes about 2-months to form a new habit. That is about 60 days to form a good habit or try to break a bad one. Habits are critical since they are automatic, we don’t have to think about them when they occur. Your habits will break or make you; it depends on which ones you have. There is no point in coming up with resolutions if you have bad habits, all you’ll end up doing is breaking the momentum towards attaining the resolutions. Work towards creating new habits that work for you and everything else will face into place.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you’d like to share your feedback or send suggestions for future topics, you can reach me at [email protected].