December 26, 2018
There are a few things many people do: procrastinate, make excuses, under-value themselves, do not plan and make New Year’s Resolutions.
The calendar, on my desk, shows that January 1, 2019, is 29 days away. And, like most people, I say, “Where did the year go? But, it passed; 365 days of promise, and we missed most of those promises. Now, it‘s time to make new commitments, resolutions, and plans for the New Year.
There are many choices available. For me, though, I want to choose one and try my best to keep it. “One,” when used as a noun is defined in the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, “the first in a series—often used with an attributive noun (resolution one).
It’s funny about New Year resolutions. People set them knowing they won’t keep them. I recommend four characteristics for achieving happiness next year.
- Set a clear and specific resolution. What is the ONE resolution you can do in the New Year that can change you, your neighbor, and the world?
- Make it special. It must be important to you. The magic lies in the exceptional.
- Be precise in the particular steps to achieve the resolution. Focus on the three of four things most important to accomplishing your resolution. Don’t spread your attention too thin.
- Be different and accomplish the resolution. Daily, act upon your resolution. Don’t procrastinate; leave nothing to chance. Persist.
- Celebrate on December 31, 2019, the unique feeling of achievement. Identify small achievements that reinforce the resolution each quarter. Save the celebration for the end of the year.
Unless you commit to these guidelines, there’s little chance you will end 2019 toasting achieving your 2019 New Year’s Resolution.
I have one resolution, it’s specific, unique, different, and I plan on the New Year being one of my best.