Simple and effective ways to keep resolutions!

It’s the beginning of a new year. The last couple of years have definitely been unusual. At times, the year seemed to move slowly, yet we realize this past year has slipped by so quickly. Our parents always told us that time seems to go faster as we get older. Did you hear that from your parents also? Robert Orben says, “Time flies. It’s up to you to be the navigator.”

Many people take time to look back to see how they can become a more effective navigator by looking at what worked and what could be better. As people decide what could be better, they often make resolutions for the coming year. Did you know that approximately fifty percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions – but only eight percent are successful in keeping them through the end of the year. Sadly, most people give up by the end of the first month. But the good news is that if people can keep their resolutions going for a month, they significantly increase their chance of being successful for the new year.

Because it can be hard to keep resolutions, we’ll share some ideas that may help.

First, it’s time to put your resolutions into defined goals with specific steps to reach them. It can also be helpful to have an accountability partner. Maybe you would like to engage a friend to be a partner. You can hold each other accountable for staying on track and making progress. Sometimes joining a group with similar goals, or getting a coach or trainer can help keep you motivated and moving forward.

Scheduling time to work on your resolution goals will help them to become part of your daily routine. Also, measuring and documenting your progress can help you stay on course.

In the past years we’ve used a method that we, and others, have found successful to make resolutions and keep them for the new year. This simple, but powerful method involves applying information we have learned from the book, “One Word That Will Change Your Life”, by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton and Jimmy Page.

 As you might have guessed from the title of the book, this method involves picking one word that you use as a guide for your life for the whole year. In the past couple of years, we each picked words. Last year my (Lynn) word was ‘love’. With the stress in the world today, I am going to keep ‘love’ and maybe add ‘peace’ or ‘compassion’.

My (Doug) word last year was ‘focus’. Because of all that’s happened, this year my one word will be ‘resilience’.

Even though we’ve shared the author’s suggestions before on living your one word. Here they are as reminders.

1. Prepare your heart – look in. Get away and unplug from the busyness of life and set aside some quiet time. Look inward to open your heart to what is most important to you and prepare for a life change.
2. Discover your word – look up. Pray about it and look to your Higher Power to help you recognize the best word for you, given the circumstances of your life. 
3. Live your word – look out. Find ways to live your word by applying it in all areas of your life. Take it out into the world and share it with others.

The One Word book talks about how a word that’s focused can become a force that cuts through confusion and brings clarity. Individuals, families, churches, schools, organizations and sports teams have used the One Word method with great success. 

The authors say that your word can also help you leave a legacy because “Your word shapes your character. Your character influences your actions. Your actions influence others.” Your legacy will be the lives you touch and the impact you make.

How about you? What resolution do you want to keep?

Here are some thoughts: Using One Word can be a helpful way to make, and keep, a resolution. We encourage you to take time to discover the word that would be most meaningful for you as you set your intention for this year.

We hope you will share your word with us.  Let us know how you plan to live it and take it out into the world to create your legacy. Wishing you the best and Happy New Year!

Chanhassen MN residents, Doug and Lynn Nodland are success coaches and owners of The Balance Center in Excelsior. Contact them at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2022 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.