Have you set your resolutions for the New Year?
How many times have we heard this? or time to plan our goals. What are your goals? Especially around this time of year.
How do you feel about the mere action or thought about goal setting?
Some simply ignore this altogether- while others enthusiastically dive into it full throttle.
I’ve talked with a few friends about their goals and the mere mention provoked a defensive reaction. It’s really an interesting response.
Especially the beginning of the New Year, which is a time when many of us endure the ritual of setting goals like a habit; but is it a genuine reason? Or are we simply influenced by tradition?
How do you really feel; and Why do you set New Year Goals | Resolutions.
Where does the idea of setting goals come from in the first place?
This made me wonder so I set out to explore more..
Did you know, The answer goes back further into history… than you might think.
The first New Year’s resolutions date back over 4,000 years ago to ancient Babylon. The Babylonians are said to have started the tradition during Akitu, a 12-day New Year celebration...
This new date honored Janus, a two-faced god who symbolically looked back into the previous year and forwards into the new year.
While the current concepts of goal setting is attributed to the Goal Setting Theory work of:
Edwin A. Locke and Dr. Gary Latham; methods like S.M.A.R.T. meaning : Specific, Measurable,
Assignable, Realistic, Time-related objectives. The concept of setting goals for greater success
is ancient; Locke himself was inspired by Aristotle whose philosophical writings suggested that
purpose can cause action.
Here are some interesting quotes from some Greek philosophers on goal setting:
Eastern philosophers have pondered the connection between achievement and goal setting as well:
Joan Hyman, a professional traveling yoga instructor says:
Intentions are more like a how-to for making your life better, keeping you accountable in the
process. While a resolution tethers you to the future with no clear path forward, an intention
grounds you in the present. “Intentions take the pressure off,” says Hyman. “It’s not so do-or-die.
There are so many thoughts – ideas & examples towards goal setting, that it can feel overwhelming or exhausting- leading to a lack of desire to even try.
Whereas, focusing on our intentions makes for a more personal connection.
In developing goal setting theory, Locke studied the habits of highly successful business people to understand the personal traits that were common among them.
Interesting quotes from successful personalities throughout history on goal setting.
MY Favorite
If you can dream it, you can do it.
So, this year when you set your goals for 2021, you can consider yourself in good company –
from ancient Greeks- Philosophers, to modern entrepreneurs.
Here are some thoughts on setting intentions towards goal setting or resolutions from Joan Hyman , Yoga Instructor.
1. Find what brings you joy.
The law of attraction states that by focusing on the things that bring you joy, you’ll bring more positive experiences into your life. Get out a notepad and write down the things you’re passionate about. What brings you happiness and gives you a sense purpose?
2. Focus on the intention- vow
Once you have your list, come up with the intention or vow, incorporating some of the things you’ve written down. Instead of resolving to lose weight, what you can say is, ‘I intend to practice self care daily’,” Or, if you want to buy a car, your vow can be ‘I will become more disciplined with my finances.’ Hyman says your vow can even be just one word—like patience, loyalty, love, or openness.
3. Keep it positive.
Every time you find yourself falling into the trap of listing out things you don’t want to do, remember to “think the opposite,” says Hyman. Instead of saying you’re not going to live with fear, think ‘I intend to trust more freely this year.’ Stating your intention like a vow to commit
4. Share with a friend.
Find a friend who knows and supports you and tell them about your intention—because while intentions may make us more responsible for our actions, we can have slip-ups. A friend or mentor can help get you back on track when you find yourself thinking negatively or are struggling to stay in the present.
* I’m here to support you on this.
5. Create a vision board.
A good visual never hurt anyone. “One of her intentions was to be more patient, but she knew she was going to be tested,”. So she created a board with clippings of words, phrases, and images that served as reminders of the long-term rewards of staying true to her vow every time she felt her patience waning. Make sure to keep your vision board somewhere you can easily see it every day.
* I have instructions on creating a vision board if you want it, just ask.
6. Lastly, Let it go!
Say your vow each day when you wake up…and then let it go. You’ve planted the seed—now don’t think too much about it! “For things to manifest, we can’t hold on too tight,” says Hyman. If you’re struggling with this step, try meditation or yoga to help ease your mind and put yourself in a state of greater awareness. *I have the best tool for this, which I will share with you directly at no charge- Just ask!
Conclusion
This New Years 2021 -The Year for Hope and Victory..
We can choose a refreshed focus to experience something new. with more purpose in living-
( I’ve shared about having a purpose in previous posts)
We can create a bigger and better future through our intentions while setting goals that are exciting; that energize us into taking the best action with no regrets..
It’s always our choice.. We can choose to create a Happy fulfilled life..
Thank-you for reading,
Blessings to you and your loved ones.
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