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Resolutions or Goals? Word Choice Matters

January 8, 2016 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

Happy new year!! Are you making resolutions this year? Or goals? This is the first year I’ve decided not to make resolutions. But that’s not to say I’m not looking to improve myself this year. In fact, I’d say it’s the exact opposite. 2016, for me, will be a year of personal development (which you’ll hear a lot about on this blog).

One of my friends and co-workers blogged about this very subject the other day As she writes, resolutions feel tied to the new year. When you inevitably hit a speed bump, it’s a lot harder to get back on track. After all, just look at the definition of a resolution: a firm decision to do or not do something. It feels like an either/or, and when you fall off the resolution wagon, it can be pretty hard to get back on.

But a goal? That’s something you aim for, reassess, and adjust as necessary. Goals evolve and change as you meet the goal, or realize that you’re actually working toward something else. So, this year, I’m focusing on making my goals, both long-term and short-term, and developing a plan of action to meet those goals.

sailsI won’t lie. I’m someone who typically flies by the seat of her pants. Since I largely work from home and since most of my days are spent with my toddler daughter, my schedule is a bit scattered. It can make getting certain things done — especially work-related things — difficult, to say the least.

That’s why I need a plan. That’s goal number one.

Here are some of my goals for the new year:

  1. Plan more often, but understand my time limits. Create weekly and daily to-do lists, but don’t beat myself up if I don’t complete everything on my list.
  2. Hit leadership status, elite green status, with my makeup company in the first quarter of 2016.
  3. Go on two big family trips this year — including a work incentive trip in October!
  4. Be present more often. Put down the phone more, and pay attention to the world around me.
  5. In the spirit of planning more, get our place organized — especially our closets and my office, so it’s more of an inviting space.
  6. Take care of myself and my body better. I already eat wonderfully — mostly thanks to my hubby’s cooking — but get up and workout more. (Little Miss might even join in!)
  7. Last, but certainly not least, practice an attitude of gratitude. I’ve been spending each night before bed reflecting on what I’m thankful for that day. It’s amazing what that does for the mood and spirit.

I have other goals too, but I’m not quite ready to share all of them on a public forum. What about you? Are you making resolutions this year? Or are you more focused on goals?

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Recommended reading related to resolutions & goals (affiliate links included):

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Think and Grow Rich for Women by Tarcher Perigee

 

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Filed Under: WAHM Life, Work From Home Tagged With: entrepreneur, goals, little miss, mindset, personal development, resolutions, work from home

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Let’s get that story out of your head and onto the page | Editor, Creative Writer, Author, & Coach

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