I don’t make resolutions; however, I do make plans. A lot of them. I also accomplish them. I’m naturally gifted that way.
It’s an unfair advantage, I suppose, but that doesn’t mean keeping commitments is always easy. It isn’t. I have to fight through the resistance as much as the next person. Plus, some commitments and plans, like tracing the drawing for the monthly comic, are easier to keep than others.
I’ll use exercise as an example. I am not naturally gifted as an athlete. I was the kid who ducked when a basketball or soccer ball came flying toward the head. Even when I forced myself not to duck, I didn’t exactly excel at sports. I got better, but I wasn’t ever going to be first string.
I’m okay with that. I’m not okay with using it as an excuse not to exercise. To keep my commitment—it’s two days of strength training and one day of a longish run—I pretty much have to use an iron will. When it’s cold outside, it’s essential. I might snuggle under the covers for an extra minute or two, but eventually, willpower (and a guilty conscience) takes over. It gets me out of bed, even though I grouse at it the entire time.
Willpower is one part of keeping resolutions. I use a couple of other trade secrets, too. The people who know them are the ones who keep resolutions and achieve success.
Willpower, or, Make a Decision
I call this getting rid of excuses. If I implement a plan, for example, the #365DayChallenge, I am required to keep it. No excuses.
Of course, it’s not as simple as that. Making a decision to do one thing means missing out on others. I count those costs and decide what to do.
Sometimes, I delay. I know I don’t have the time or energy to start a new project. I set it aside until I do. Other times, I start the new project and dismiss another. I make time for the new so that I’m not stuck in the old or waffling between the two.
Look toward What’s Ahead
One of the main reasons people don’t keep resolutions is that resolutions are tactical. They’re the horrible, awful (or maybe even the wonderful and good) things I have to do. As such, they can quickly become chores.
The secret to keeping resolutions and commitments is to think about where I’m headed. If I spend x-amount of time on this activity, I will achieve y-results. I press onward because I know what’s waiting for me.
An example is the coloring book I’m creating. It’s taken a lot more time than originally anticipated, but it doesn’t bother me. Neither does the time it takes to draw and trace and scan and design the book. I know where I’m going. The goal helps me press on when I’m tired or my hand cramps, or I want to focus on a different project.
Be Accountable
Resolutions and commitments made in private can make me feel good, but they don’t do anything to keep me on task. No, commitments need to be public.
I’m not suggesting “public” as in sharing goals with the world, although that may be the case. It is with the #365DayChallenge and the coloring book. I’ve publicly declared the projects so that I’m held accountable to them.
That isn’t the typical scenario, though. Most commitments are shared only with a close friend or spouse. My church uses what it calls “life transformation groups.” The goal is simple: join with one or two other people in living life. These people know the intimate details of my life. They keep me accountable to walking in a manner worthy of the calling with which I have been called.
Keeping resolutions and commitments isn’t easy, but the three ideas outlined above can help. Make a decision, focus on the end result, and be accountable. Practice those principles, and success will come, maybe not right now or even six months from now, but it will come. Be patient and stay the course. You can do it. I promise.
Image: Morgan (Creative Commons)