Well, so that is that.
Now we must dismantle the tree,
Putting the decorations back into their cardboard boxes –
Some have got broken – and carrying them up to the attic.
The holly and the mistletoe must be taken down and burnt,
And the children got ready for school. There are enough
Left-overs to do, warmed-up, for the rest of the week –
Not that we have much appetite, having drunk such a lot,
Stayed up so late, attempted – quite unsuccessfully –
To love all of our relatives, and in general
Grossly overestimated our powers. Once again
As in previous years we have seen the actual Vision and failed
To do more than entertain it as an agreeable
Possibility…
From For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio by W.H. Auden (published 1944).

On Resolutions and Planning

It’s the time of year when many people take a moment to look back, often with regrets, at what they failed to accomplish for their resolutions of the previous year and resolve (again) to do better.  I think it’s better to let go of the past, pronounce what’s done is done, and forget any regrets.  The root word, resolve means to come to a firm decision to do something.  Good enough as far as it goes, but it’s got a built in connotation that implies not getting something done is failing.

Why not plan to do something, and let go of resolve?

Change is built into planning.  Plans are meant to be altered.  Plans are what you do until the situation is different, and a new plan must be implemented.  Instead of beating yourself up, try examining what the little daily steps are you can take to move toward a goal, even when the goal-post gets shifted.

Just in case you are likely to procrastinate on even getting that plan started, here are a few simple tips:

  • Make goals that are observable. As if you were an actor in your own movie, picture yourself doing something specific, like mailing out 5 complete job application packets.
  • Be specific. Bite size goals are best: Not “organize my life,” but “throw away all outdated papers on top of my desk.” The beginning of a new year is a great time for this.
  • Take small steps. Writing down a goal can help you get a more realistic timeline – sometimes longer than you guessed, other times shorter than you had feared.
  • Keep in mind you are always at a choice point: When you cannot finish a project because you need more information, don’t give up.  This can be the difference between success and sabotage.  Say to yourself, “I choose to delay finishing this project until I get the information I need.”  Then, write down when you will work on getting the needed information on your calendar or into your time-line.
  • Reward yourself! Many people procrastinate because they feel they deserve to suffer, to struggle, to stagnate. See yourself as the success you are trying to become.
  • Remember: “It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be done!” From thank you notes to lengthy memos to dissertations, it’s better to have a finished product than one that remains only in your head.

So, stop resolving and start planning.  Make 2010 your year that’s better than it’s ever been.
If you need help with following through on your own plans, please contact me, CoachHillary@TransitioningYourLife.com, to set up a complimentary 30-45 minute coaching session.

 

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