The Difference Between New Year’s Resolutions and Goals

by Joyce Dunaway @DunawayJoyce

Every New Year we make resolutions, such as eating healthy, exercising, spending more time with family, going to bed earlier, and getting up earlier. Discouragement sets in when we abandon these resolutions within a few weeks or months. This often happens because we attempt to accomplish these resolutions by will power.

A goal is the end toward which effort is directed. To reach a goal takes planning. It works best to break the project into steps. Also, dependence on God is necessary to achieve these ambitions.

Following are some suggestions to help you reach your goals for the New Year:

BE SPECIFIC

Divide your large goal into smaller steps and set a timeline to complete the project.

REWARD YOURSELF

When you’ve achieved a step, celebrate by doing something you enjoy whether it involves buying something or spending time with someone you love.

VISUALIZE

Use your imagination to picture how your life will look once you’ve achieved your ultimate goal. If you’re a writer, you could take a photo of yourself in a bookstore standing in front of the book shelf where your published book would be displayed.

DELEGATE

Enlist the help of family and friends to do chores such as grocery shopping, cleaning, or cooking. This will provide you with more time to work on your dream.

ORGANIZE

Having a designated space to create will save you time and program your mind for work when you go to that area.

NETWORK

Attend conferences and critique groups where you will meet people with similar goals. From these encounters you will learn about your craft and connect with agents and editors who will help you achieve your dreams.

I would love to hear how you’ve succeeded in the pursuit of your goals. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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