I no longer make it mandatory to make resolutions that must begin January 1. My take on it is to set the resolution for change that is most needed and use the whole year if need-be.
I can research it, see what others have done, etc.
This year, I wanted to quit smoking. I have wanted to quit and so I set it that I would quit in 2010. I actually quit February 1 (I am on the 23rd day of being a non-smoker today) in conjunction with beginning the SparkPlan 28-Day Challenge.
I used my efforts to focus on eating healthy and exercising. That really helped. Yeah, the first day is the worst day, but I told myself all the reasons I wanted to quit when an urge hit.
I actually made a list of all the reasons I wanted to quit... It came in handy as a defense tool.
Now I no longer smoke and I have lost over 20 pounds - two successes sort of strengthening each other.
Yes, I'm doing exceedingly will with my resolutions. I learned Intentional Living a few years ago during Dale Carnegie training--the course in Human Relations. Here at Microsoft I've enhanced that with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, & Timely). The real key, though, is what I've learned from J.D. Meier's http://www.sourcesofinsight.com & his Agile Results http://www.agileresultsguide.com. It's GREAT, life-changing stuff.
Livinmybestlife - 14 years ago
I scored excellent on this poll (and I normally never score myself so well, but here it's accurate). The number one thing that has made this year different (so far) then all the previous in terms of resolutions has been using Gretchen's resolution charts but filling them in with my own goals and scoring myself each night. For my big project (I'm writing my first novel - the first draft) having a very specific plan including word count, deadline, rules of engagement (no editing as I go), etc. has been the key to getting it done!
Thanks for making life that much better and more interesting Gretchen!
I don't make resolutions so much as I set goals. Each goal has a specific timeline and metric attached to it, so that the resulting goal-tracking is very similar to your Resolutions Chart. At the end of every month I revisit my chart to grade myself, and re-arrange priorities if something has become completed (or irrelevant).
jan_m - 14 years ago
I'm with Rosie! Making excellent progress by having very small, achievable goals that, when accomplished, spill over into other goals. And I mean really small; like "no candy off a desk" (but I can go buy it, and yet I don't), or "make my bed daily" (spills over into tidying up the bedroom). But perhaps the biggest is "act like i want to feel" it helps all the other behaviours line up. Completing a goal IS the goal. Completion of a promise to yourself is very motivating.
Brigid - 14 years ago
the resolutions tracker in the happiness project toolbox has been hugely helpful! but what was most helpful was the fact that I added them gradually beginning in December based on changes that I _really_ wanted to make because I knew they would make me happier - that and the fact that I got support from friends around the tougher ones
Sara - 14 years ago
My resolution was something I really wanted to do: stop eating snack food. I can still eat as much as I want but it has to be real food, not Goldfish, Pop Tarts, Cheezits, granola bars, chips. I feel great. I feel that I am no longer at the mercy of companies engineering things to tempt me. It's true that stuff tastes good, and not eating it means I don't eat for entertainment.
i'm sticking to all but one of my resolutions just fine.
i reckon this is because they are all realistic AND enjoyable!
Ann - 14 years ago
I'm doing an excellent job of sticking to my resolutions.
I'm tracking my calories in/out with the wonderful iPhone app named "Lose It!" and I joined my running club's winter workout program.
The app helps me stay accountable to myself for what I'm eating and the group activity helps me keep on track with my exercise.
The combo is working great for me and I plan to keep it up.
Kate - 14 years ago
This is the first time I have been able to stick to a plan. Going by the management wisdom that you manage what you measure, I found a great app for my iphone called LoseIt! that is helping measure my progress against my goal of losing weight and getting more exercise. I am meeting my goal of losing a pound a week. By looking at my progress in real time, I can adjust what I am doing so that I do not exceed my daily caloric intake.
John - 14 years ago
I tend to spend too much time at work and not nearly enough with my family. I resolved to leave work an hour earlier than usual on Fridays (which is still a full day). I set a continuous reminder on my e-calendar at work which starts reminding me the night before that I have to leave at a reasonable time on Friday. I think the fact that it was a reasonable goal combined with the constant reminders at work has helped me stay on top of this. I think this has also helped me start to realize that no matter how late I work on Friday, things are still going to be waiting for me on Monday.
Rosie - 14 years ago
I've been keeping a pact with two friends. With one friend, I make a list of three things we'll do the next day. They can be as simple as a phone call, but none should take more than about an hour. We keep our expectations really LOW and honestly, I've never been more productive. Some things on the list have been weeding for 15 minutes, eating four pieces of fruit, simply researching a good plumber -- not even CALLING, just researching. And the next day, calling the plumber would be on the list.
Another friend and I are working on habits, but really simple habits, like washing all the dishes nightly, or spending 15 minutes a day sweeping through the house tidying up, going to bed at a certain time. We go over it every afternoon. It has helped SO much.
I think what made the biggest difference is that we've all decided to report daily, to monitor progress, to set simple goals. I can't believe how productive I've been. The house has never been cleaner, the garden looks amazing, all medical appointments are scheduled, paperwork is done, etc.
Jessica - 14 years ago
I am following your resolution's chart with some modifications and it's great. I feel like I have concrete things to tackle daily and I think because they are more action oriented, I can see proof that I've accomplished them.
Effie - 14 years ago
I began my resolutions on January first, and am still going strong! I keep a blog in which I write down every resolution and why I want to tackle it, as well as a review some time later of how I've been doing. Keeping a physical log of my success has made it so much easier for me to go back and track my progress. I'm not perfect, of course. Some days my schedule is so packed I won't even think of resolutions. But, the one thing I always keep in mind is to be happy. And on those tough days, I repeat my new favorite mantra, courtesy Gretchen, " Happiness comes from things that are novel and challenging." Since January 1st, I've learned that attitude is EVERYTHING. :)
My resolution was two-fold: Blog more and get fit for my wedding. Since my fiancee and I have a common, immovable goal we've been really good at pushing each other so far (trying to do a half marathon in may). I'm down 15lbs since Jan 15th. As for blogging more, I try to do some everyday, and in some cases more than one, spread across 4 blogs. So far so good. I think the biggest difference for me was keeping my goal in front of me (livestrong, nike plus) and having a can't miss date.
Heidi Hooten - 14 years ago
Since I turn 50 this year, I made what I call my "50 Things" list. I broke it down into 5 categories: Health, Creativity, Just Because, Work/Financial, and Things to Do for Others. I think the items on the list were all very reasonable, and there's enough variety to keep me interested. As I work on an item (some are ongoing) or complete an item, I mark the date next to it. The list is on the bulletin board in the kitchen where I can look at it every day. Seeing what I've accomplished has really made me feel good about what I'm doing. Also, as part of the Health category, my sister challenged me and others to a fitness contest -- activities chosen by each person to suit their level -- and reporting back and joking with all the people involved (there's friends and family in the U.S., in Canada, and as far away as Africa!) on Facebook every day what I've done for the week has been a big help.
My resolution was to start a Virtual FB Happiness Project Group and have done well at keeping up with the videos and discussion boards. It makes me happy to help others find more happiness in their lives :-)
I am doing well. I chose reasonable goals, and they were things I really wanted to do, so I've not had any trouble sticking to them. But having the goals has been highly motivating.
I only made one REAL resolution, and the start date wasn't on January 1st. My husband and I agreed to quit smoking after the Superbowl. While he postponed his quit date (we had some longstanding wedding photography drama come to a head last week), I'm now on Day 9.
After being a light to moderate smoker for around 6 years, it isn't easy, but I'm managing without any quit aids. I wish I could say I already feel a million times better, but I haven't noticed a real difference yet. I just have to remind myself that it's for my own future health and it's so worth it. Hopefully, my husband will join me and try again soon.
Sushoo - 14 years ago
My story is nearly the same as Amber's above... In December, I set a deadline for living my resolution starting January 1st. Then I set about researching strategies to ensure I'd keep my resolution (quit smoking). I explored all options, carefully reviewed them, and chose the ones I knew would be best for me. I also armed myself with numerous tactics and suggestions from both specialists and friends, to ensure that I wouldn't sabotage my plan. Most important, I wrote myself a list of why I wanted to keep this resolution, and how much better my life would be when I did. When January 1 rolled around, I was ready - but I followed Gretchen's mantra to 'ask for help.' It's been almost six weeks, and I am keeping my promise to myself... which I believe is the most important part of my resolution!
Amber W - 14 years ago
Following a plan is working for me. This year, instead of making my resolution and hoping it stuck, I researched blogs, sites, books, etc. that could help me with my goal. I spent a week coming up with my plan, thinking about my obstacles and typing out my goals and breaking it into smaller steps. My resolution is "Keep the house in a state of "clean". Each week I'm setting goals for the week, working on establishing routines and taking baby steps to get me closer to my ultimate goal. In the past I would have tried to bite off the whole thing in one day and feel guilty for not seeing it through. This time I am going slow and it's working. I am making huge progress each week.
I no longer make it mandatory to make resolutions that must begin January 1. My take on it is to set the resolution for change that is most needed and use the whole year if need-be.
I can research it, see what others have done, etc.
This year, I wanted to quit smoking. I have wanted to quit and so I set it that I would quit in 2010. I actually quit February 1 (I am on the 23rd day of being a non-smoker today) in conjunction with beginning the SparkPlan 28-Day Challenge.
I used my efforts to focus on eating healthy and exercising. That really helped. Yeah, the first day is the worst day, but I told myself all the reasons I wanted to quit when an urge hit.
I actually made a list of all the reasons I wanted to quit... It came in handy as a defense tool.
Now I no longer smoke and I have lost over 20 pounds - two successes sort of strengthening each other.
I also feel better and smell better too!
Yes, I'm doing exceedingly will with my resolutions. I learned Intentional Living a few years ago during Dale Carnegie training--the course in Human Relations. Here at Microsoft I've enhanced that with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, & Timely). The real key, though, is what I've learned from J.D. Meier's http://www.sourcesofinsight.com & his Agile Results http://www.agileresultsguide.com. It's GREAT, life-changing stuff.
I scored excellent on this poll (and I normally never score myself so well, but here it's accurate). The number one thing that has made this year different (so far) then all the previous in terms of resolutions has been using Gretchen's resolution charts but filling them in with my own goals and scoring myself each night. For my big project (I'm writing my first novel - the first draft) having a very specific plan including word count, deadline, rules of engagement (no editing as I go), etc. has been the key to getting it done!
Thanks for making life that much better and more interesting Gretchen!
I don't make resolutions so much as I set goals. Each goal has a specific timeline and metric attached to it, so that the resulting goal-tracking is very similar to your Resolutions Chart. At the end of every month I revisit my chart to grade myself, and re-arrange priorities if something has become completed (or irrelevant).
I'm with Rosie! Making excellent progress by having very small, achievable goals that, when accomplished, spill over into other goals. And I mean really small; like "no candy off a desk" (but I can go buy it, and yet I don't), or "make my bed daily" (spills over into tidying up the bedroom). But perhaps the biggest is "act like i want to feel" it helps all the other behaviours line up. Completing a goal IS the goal. Completion of a promise to yourself is very motivating.
the resolutions tracker in the happiness project toolbox has been hugely helpful! but what was most helpful was the fact that I added them gradually beginning in December based on changes that I _really_ wanted to make because I knew they would make me happier - that and the fact that I got support from friends around the tougher ones
My resolution was something I really wanted to do: stop eating snack food. I can still eat as much as I want but it has to be real food, not Goldfish, Pop Tarts, Cheezits, granola bars, chips. I feel great. I feel that I am no longer at the mercy of companies engineering things to tempt me. It's true that stuff tastes good, and not eating it means I don't eat for entertainment.
i'm sticking to all but one of my resolutions just fine.
i reckon this is because they are all realistic AND enjoyable!
I'm doing an excellent job of sticking to my resolutions.
I'm tracking my calories in/out with the wonderful iPhone app named "Lose It!" and I joined my running club's winter workout program.
The app helps me stay accountable to myself for what I'm eating and the group activity helps me keep on track with my exercise.
The combo is working great for me and I plan to keep it up.
This is the first time I have been able to stick to a plan. Going by the management wisdom that you manage what you measure, I found a great app for my iphone called LoseIt! that is helping measure my progress against my goal of losing weight and getting more exercise. I am meeting my goal of losing a pound a week. By looking at my progress in real time, I can adjust what I am doing so that I do not exceed my daily caloric intake.
I tend to spend too much time at work and not nearly enough with my family. I resolved to leave work an hour earlier than usual on Fridays (which is still a full day). I set a continuous reminder on my e-calendar at work which starts reminding me the night before that I have to leave at a reasonable time on Friday. I think the fact that it was a reasonable goal combined with the constant reminders at work has helped me stay on top of this. I think this has also helped me start to realize that no matter how late I work on Friday, things are still going to be waiting for me on Monday.
I've been keeping a pact with two friends. With one friend, I make a list of three things we'll do the next day. They can be as simple as a phone call, but none should take more than about an hour. We keep our expectations really LOW and honestly, I've never been more productive. Some things on the list have been weeding for 15 minutes, eating four pieces of fruit, simply researching a good plumber -- not even CALLING, just researching. And the next day, calling the plumber would be on the list.
Another friend and I are working on habits, but really simple habits, like washing all the dishes nightly, or spending 15 minutes a day sweeping through the house tidying up, going to bed at a certain time. We go over it every afternoon. It has helped SO much.
I think what made the biggest difference is that we've all decided to report daily, to monitor progress, to set simple goals. I can't believe how productive I've been. The house has never been cleaner, the garden looks amazing, all medical appointments are scheduled, paperwork is done, etc.
I am following your resolution's chart with some modifications and it's great. I feel like I have concrete things to tackle daily and I think because they are more action oriented, I can see proof that I've accomplished them.
I began my resolutions on January first, and am still going strong! I keep a blog in which I write down every resolution and why I want to tackle it, as well as a review some time later of how I've been doing. Keeping a physical log of my success has made it so much easier for me to go back and track my progress. I'm not perfect, of course. Some days my schedule is so packed I won't even think of resolutions. But, the one thing I always keep in mind is to be happy. And on those tough days, I repeat my new favorite mantra, courtesy Gretchen, " Happiness comes from things that are novel and challenging." Since January 1st, I've learned that attitude is EVERYTHING. :)
My resolution was two-fold: Blog more and get fit for my wedding. Since my fiancee and I have a common, immovable goal we've been really good at pushing each other so far (trying to do a half marathon in may). I'm down 15lbs since Jan 15th. As for blogging more, I try to do some everyday, and in some cases more than one, spread across 4 blogs. So far so good. I think the biggest difference for me was keeping my goal in front of me (livestrong, nike plus) and having a can't miss date.
Since I turn 50 this year, I made what I call my "50 Things" list. I broke it down into 5 categories: Health, Creativity, Just Because, Work/Financial, and Things to Do for Others. I think the items on the list were all very reasonable, and there's enough variety to keep me interested. As I work on an item (some are ongoing) or complete an item, I mark the date next to it. The list is on the bulletin board in the kitchen where I can look at it every day. Seeing what I've accomplished has really made me feel good about what I'm doing. Also, as part of the Health category, my sister challenged me and others to a fitness contest -- activities chosen by each person to suit their level -- and reporting back and joking with all the people involved (there's friends and family in the U.S., in Canada, and as far away as Africa!) on Facebook every day what I've done for the week has been a big help.
My resolution was to start a Virtual FB Happiness Project Group and have done well at keeping up with the videos and discussion boards. It makes me happy to help others find more happiness in their lives :-)
I am doing well. I chose reasonable goals, and they were things I really wanted to do, so I've not had any trouble sticking to them. But having the goals has been highly motivating.
I only made one REAL resolution, and the start date wasn't on January 1st. My husband and I agreed to quit smoking after the Superbowl. While he postponed his quit date (we had some longstanding wedding photography drama come to a head last week), I'm now on Day 9.
After being a light to moderate smoker for around 6 years, it isn't easy, but I'm managing without any quit aids. I wish I could say I already feel a million times better, but I haven't noticed a real difference yet. I just have to remind myself that it's for my own future health and it's so worth it. Hopefully, my husband will join me and try again soon.
My story is nearly the same as Amber's above... In December, I set a deadline for living my resolution starting January 1st. Then I set about researching strategies to ensure I'd keep my resolution (quit smoking). I explored all options, carefully reviewed them, and chose the ones I knew would be best for me. I also armed myself with numerous tactics and suggestions from both specialists and friends, to ensure that I wouldn't sabotage my plan. Most important, I wrote myself a list of why I wanted to keep this resolution, and how much better my life would be when I did. When January 1 rolled around, I was ready - but I followed Gretchen's mantra to 'ask for help.' It's been almost six weeks, and I am keeping my promise to myself... which I believe is the most important part of my resolution!
Following a plan is working for me. This year, instead of making my resolution and hoping it stuck, I researched blogs, sites, books, etc. that could help me with my goal. I spent a week coming up with my plan, thinking about my obstacles and typing out my goals and breaking it into smaller steps. My resolution is "Keep the house in a state of "clean". Each week I'm setting goals for the week, working on establishing routines and taking baby steps to get me closer to my ultimate goal. In the past I would have tried to bite off the whole thing in one day and feel guilty for not seeing it through. This time I am going slow and it's working. I am making huge progress each week.