A happy new year to all! January begins with a great sense of optimism for the year, with the belief that possibilities lie ahead. As the month progresses and the budget is stretched by December spend, school fees, school uniforms and school stationary; anxiety builds. 

January however is probably the best month for gyms. With a renewed sense of self at the beginning of the year, many resolve to be healthier, stronger and skinnier for the next 365 days. This common commitment to a physical transformation, is reflective of the overall financial, psychological, even spiritual, improvement we expect in the coming year. However, as most gyms and those who remain committed to their fitness journey would attest, many – if not most – fail to continue exercising by February. This failure to stick to a fitness regimen is emblematic of how we lose sight of our dreams,  hopes and ambitions for the year ahead.

Why than do so many of us fall off the wagon with our resolutions into the new year? How do we stick to our plans? Why is it important to stick to our plans?

An article in the New York Times, titled, “How to Make (and Keep) a New Year’s Resolution” by Jen A. Miller, gives some encouragement: “More than half of all resolutions fail, but this year, they don’t have to be yours.”

The article starts off by stating: “Pick the Right Resolution

You’ll give yourself your best shot at success if you set a goal that’s doable — and meaningful too.”

Ultimately, it is pointless to set an unrealistic, unobtainable goal. Rather than resolving to run the Comrades Marathon, despite being unfit or never having run long distance, instead resolve -more realistically – to start jogging or walking. The same principle apply to business. Instead of ending 2023 in disappointment at failing to become the next tech billionaire, start a business and develop the necessary skills that will enhance your business. 

The next step concretizes the plan toward being realistic: “Create Your Plan

Your end goal won’t just magically appear…”

Instead of having a vague end-goal in mind, think it through, think of the steps that need to be taken to reach the goal, taking into account stumbling blocks and obstacles along the way. These hindrances need to be considered as real possibilities and planned around. If this approach is adopted, we return to the first notion of picking the correct resolution by planning it to be “… smart — and SMART. That’s an acronym coined in the journal Management Review in 1981 for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound… 

Specific. Your resolution should be absolutely clear…

Measurable. This may seem obvious if your goal is a fitness or weight loss related one, but it’s also important if you’re trying to cut back on something, too… 

Achievable. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have big stretch goals. But trying to take too big a step too fast can leave you frustrated, or affect other areas of your life to the point that your resolution takes over your life — and both you and your friends and family flail…

Relevant. Is this a goal that really matters to you, and are you making it for the right reasons?… [A point we will return to.] 

Time-bound. Like “achievable,” the timeline toward reaching your goal should be realistic, too… “

“Make it Personal” is the next step at ensuring one sticks to your resolutions. Almost a year ago, I looked at the concept of mimetic desire. Reflecting on this piece and the notion of making resolutions “personal”, true inspiration finds its source internally, more so than external motivators from peers or society. Therefore for your resolution to be accomplished, it should matter to you, be motivated by what you want to accomplish as opposed to what you think others expect you to accomplish. Therefore, ask yourself, does the resolution actually, really matter to you?

“Leap Over Resolution Hurdles

No one’s perfect, and your quest for your resolution won’t be either. But you can get back on track.” 

Simply put, expect things to go wrong, plan around these and be resilient. Returning to the gym analogy, there is a high likelihood that you will fall ill at some point in the year and will thus not be able to participate in strenuous exercise. Or you may simply be tired as a result of work, family commitments or any other number of reasons. Does this mean you should give up on the pursuit of a healthier and fitter lifestyle, or does it mean you should expect to fall ill, take time away from the gym and instead return once recovered?

The final point in the New York Times piece is by far the most important! “If You Miss Your Goal

You didn’t fail. You’re your own experiment, so here’s what to try on your second, third or 20th attempt.”

May 2023 not end in regret, as so many years before have. Instead, make realistic resolutions, with timebound plans and expect things to go wrong along the way. More importantly, let’s not fear failure, for it was Robert F. Kennedy once said: “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”