“I am always more interested in what I am about to do than what I have already done.”
– Rachel Carson

The beginning of a new calendar year is always the time that there is much focus on setting goals and creating resolutions.
 

Perhaps you have already been creating yours.
 

Through coaching others to be more successful throughout the years, I’ve found that most people believe that goals and resolutions are the same thing.
 

Nothing could be further from the truth!
 

The fastest way I can show you the difference is to ask you to say the word ‘resolutions’ out loud. How do you feel after you say that word?
 

Now, say the word ‘goals’ out loud. How do you feel after you say that word?
 

Is there a difference between how you feel between saying ‘resolutions’ and saying ‘goals’? I bet there is!
 

I’ve conducted this experiment with hundreds of people and the vast majority say that they feel happier and more inspired by saying the word ‘goals’.
 

I believe that this is true because ‘resolutions’ by their very nature require us to look backwards and ‘resolve’ again to achieve resolutions from the past that still have not been achieved. Further, the very word requires us to find ‘solutions’ to problems so the focus is on the problem…not on what we intend to achieve. Resolutions lower our energy.
 

Alternatively, ‘goals’ encourage us to look forward. We can see the end of result to be achieved, accomplished or attracted. Goals inspire us and lift our energy…we feel fresh, hopeful, and newly inspired.
 

‘Goals’ alone, though, do not ensure success. If we do intend to achieve those goals, then we must also schedule for success.
 

As soon as we list a goal on our New Year’s goals list, immediately also list 2 intentional activities that are focused on achieving that goal.
 

For example, I have a New Year’s goal to spend more time with my husband each week.
 

My 2 Intentional Activities are:
1. Schedule a time to chat with Bill this week to plan what days and times each week, we will devote to each other.
 

2. Schedule those days and times on my calendar throughout the year so that these days and times are given priority over everything else.
 

It’s really just that SIMPLE!
 

Without intentional activities, our goals will simply sit on the list looking pretty and doing nothing for us.
 

It all comes down to a choice — will we simply hope and wish for our goals to be achieved — or will we actually schedule intentional activities that will ensure we successfully achieve those goals?
 

This week some friends and I are hosting a ‘Stop Making Resolutions ~ Start Being Productive in 2021’ event on Facebook. Here is a link to join the group and get in on the event:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfcaretosmilemore
 

Thanks for commenting below on how this
Success Tip made a difference for you. And, feel free to tag and share, too!

Stacey Hall,
Go For Yes Success Strategist
Speaker, Best-Selling Author
CEO, Chi-To-Be!, LLC