True or False: Resolutions Always End in Disappointment

Right about now is when most New Year's Resolutions are starting to look like empty promises and lost causes. I've heard many people say they don't even make resolutions anymore because they don't want to end up disappointed again--in a situation or in themselves. No one wants to be set up, only to be let down--and when the person doing the setting up and letting down is you--well, that can be even harder to take.

Not making the resolution in the first place is one solution, but there are other options...

Semantics: if the word itself creates a problem, use a different one. Try intention, commitment, or goal. That might make it easier to think about what you'd like to accomplish or change.

Standards: know why it's important to you. When our plans align with our standards or values--those principles that are at the very core of who we are--we're more likely to "buy in" and stay committed.

Specifics: sometimes our resolutions are very general and fuzzy. Try to hone in as precisely as possible. For example, you might want to be more organized this year, but what exactly does that mean to you? A neater house? Better time management? Knowing where your important papers are?

Steps: Once you've clarified what you're talking about, break it down into small, do-able steps. And set a "due date" for each step to add accountability.

Support: What support will you need as you move into action? Often it's as simple as getting quiet and still enough to tap into our inner resources. Other times there's something external that would be of benefit--maybe information, advice, time set aside, or someone to encourage us.

Success: How will you know that you've fulfilled your resolution, intention, or commitment? What does "success" look like for you in this area? If you don't have a clue, you won't know what you're aiming at, and you might not even realize it when you've fulfilled your goal. Envision yourself having done this thing--what does it look like, how do you feel, what is different?

Resolutions themselves are not the problem. We are! But the good news is there are lots of ways to increase our effectiveness and assure we will be satisfied, rather than disappointed, when we create a resolution, in the new year or anytime.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/goal-setting-articles/true-or-false-resolutions-always-end-in-disappointment-4173930.html