2026 Resolutions

I Resolve...

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?

When I was in third or fourth grade, I received a paint by number set for Christmas. Uncle Ralph said something like, “You won’t be able to finish that this year.”

I thought he was crazy. A few days later, I started painting. I had a whole year. Well, not really. I had less than a week. My goal to paint it before the new year was unrealistic. 

I remember as a little girl pouring over a possible list of New Year’s Resolutions. I learned from my paint by number fiasco the difference between goals and objectives. Even if I didn’t use those words. 

Goals are long range and often, at least when you are young, rather lofty and maybe out of reach. Objectives are short, attainable pieces that serve as stairsteps, if you will, toward reaching those lofty goals.

For example, I have met many people who tell me they want to write a book. That is a goal.

Outlining a book, writing a premise, or perhaps crafting character sketches would be objectives…small steps toward reaching that goal. 

Here’s another example. 

My daughter wanted to run a marathon. That’s a goal. But to reach that goal she had several small objectives to achieve. She had to purchase the right shoes, train by running smaller distances and so forth. She achieved her goal, but only after months of training.

Why do I share this? In making your New Year’s Resolutions you need to set short term achievable objectives. 

Want to lose those unwanted ten or fifteen pounds? Start by changing your eating habits one meal at a time. Or start by walking more…not running a marathon…just add more steps to your day. Resolve to lose a pound or so a month. Those are achievable objectives. Add those up and you’ve lost the weight.

Some of the ideas people have for their New Year’s resolutions include:

·      Get rid of a bad habit  

·      Organize the garage, attic, workshop, closets, etc.

·      Write a book

·      Lose weight

·      Learn a new language

·      Learn to play a musical instrument

·      Read through the Bible

·      Travel to…_________ (you can fill in the blank)

You get the idea. Choose what you would like to accomplish in 2026 and create a list of the small steps that will get you there. 

Share your goal...your New Year's resolution with me here or on FB or even in a private message. There is evidence that if you share your goal with someone else, you are more likely to achieve it. 

In the meantime…have a wonderful New Year.