Why I don’t need New Year Resolutions
Discover a simple way to plan and stick with your long-term goals
In order to welcome a New Lunar Year, you might be cleaning and decorating our homes right now. It belongs outside. How have you mentally prepared yourself for a new YOU in this new year from the inside?
Last week I wrote about 2022 reflection which is a powerful tool to help me learn from my experiences, envision the future, and create an action plan for how I want to move forward.
This week, , I'm writing about New Year's Resolutions, which many of you have likely made for your 2023 goals. However, I personally don't have that list.
Reason?
It’s quite simple: I don't think I need it.
Why I don’t need New Year Resolutions?
Setting New Year Resolutions has become a common trend to write them down and and then forget about them until the following year. However, I believe that if you want to make a meaningful and lasting change, it requires more than a one-year plan - it requires a long-term plan linked to your 'why’. Why you want to do matters than what you want to do.
Success isn't something that happens overnight, it requires consistency and dedication over time, something that a New Year Resolution can't provide. To really make a difference in your life, you must be willing to commit to a long-term goal and have the tenacity to see it through.
How can you make a meaningful life plan?
Having a life plan is an essential part of taking control of your life, and in this newsletter, I'm going to break down my own process.
Define Goal - Objectives - Action plan
a. Define your long-term goal and key components of your goal
Example:
Goal: Achieve a fulfilled life
Key components: Use golden hexagon - Spirituality, Mentality, Physicality, Finance, Time, Sociality
b. Set objectives for each of these 6 components
Example:
Sprituality: Cultivate inner peace, self-awareness, and kindness
Mentality: Be a life-long learner
Physicality: Keep my body in good health and shape.
Finance: Become financial freedom by age xx
Time: Prioritize time for family
Sociality: Develop connections with those who have a growth mindset
c. Define action plan for each objective
Make sure these tasks are clear, measurable and achievable
Example:
Spirituality:
Set a schedule for meditation or prayer time every morning and practice in 30 minutes
Donate an amount of xxx VND for charity
Mentality:
Set a learning schedule in my calendar (30 minutes at noon or in the evening everyday)
Define new skills to learn (investing, writing … )
—> Actions in deeper level:
Take courses A, B, C in 2023
Start a writing project with a blog on Substack in Jan 2023
Set a reading habit for 30 mintues every day
Physicality:
Do exercise for 30 minutes every day or at a fixed timeslot
Drink 2 liters water everyday
No junk food at least 4 days/ week
Finance:
Save at least xx% of your monthly income
Build an investment portfolio with a variety of risk exposures.
Time:
Maintain a schedule for spending time with family (ie. after 7pm or weekend)
Set aside time for my hobbies or self-care activities
Sociality
Expand network on Linkedin, Twitter, and Substack to like-minded people
Nurture relationships with positive thinkers
Exit from toxic relationships
Do monthly performance review
Which actions did you follow your plan?
Which actions couldn’t be done? Reasons?
Is your action plan still valid or do you need to make any changes?
When reviewing your progress, be honest about what you have accomplished and what you still need to do in order to reach your goals. Doing this review every month will help keep you accountable, motivated, and focused on reaching your long-term objectives.
Be flexible to adjust your plan depending on the circumstances.
No matter how well-laid a plan is, there are always going to be bumps in the road. Be ready to adjust your plan when the occasion arises, so that any unforeseen issues do not derail the progress towards your goal.
By following the action plan outlined above, you are taking proactive steps towards creating a life of fulfillment, not just for the short-term objectives. With a step-by-step plan and a drive to succeed, you will be able to create the life you have always dreamed of.
Happy Tet holiday! Enjoy time with your family and beloved ones!
Cheers!
Do Thi Dieu Thuong