Resolutions
At the start of the new year, optimists (plus as many unwitting friends and family as they manage to drag along) set resolutions, resolving to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life. There’s always some great resolutions, and different interpretations of resolutions. Last year, one of my colleagues resolved to give up a different vice each month (e.g. beer in January, reality TV in February). So what are my 2021 resolutions? You’re looking at it! This is the second of 31 articles that I’ll try to publish in January.
But the real challenge remains following through. Less than 25% of people stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them. John Oliver says it best.
I’m not disparaging resolutions at all. On the contrary, I’m a staunch advocate, and the new year is a perfect time to reflect and respond. I just follow a slightly different approach that can be summed up as “Don’t do it once a year, do it every day”, which is heavily inspired by a book I read many years ago, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Some thoughts:
- Good habits are built up over a long period of time- I haven’t found any repeatable shortcuts.
- Internalize the key principle- when I see a CUE, I will do ROUTINE in order to get REWARD.
- Emotion is a powerful motivator, but so is science. Use it to your advantage.
- I set daily habits (e.g. exercise) in addition to larger monthly goals (e.g. lose weight), and track them both on the respective time horizons.
- Consistency is key- doing something for at least 30 days is the MINIMUM to start building a long-term habit.
- Just because there aren’t shortcuts doesn't mean there aren’t hacks. An Apple Watch pinging you to get up of your butt every hour works wonders. Leaving your journal on your nightstand prompts you to jot down those thoughts before bed.
- Be SMART — set reasonable next steps and create quick feedback loops.
- Don’t pursue too much at one time. We only have a certain amount of willpower each day.
