Stop Trying
I’ve noticed that many people around me don’t bother to set New Year’s resolutions anymore. It’s not surprising given that roughly 92% of people who set resolutions never achieve them. I have a theory that simply using the word “resolution” is part of the problem. Words are powerful, and we have come to equate the term resolution with something we’ll have given up on by the time February rolls around.
The real definition of word resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. But for 92% of us, that’s not what’s happening anymore. Most of us have made the firm decision to try, not to do. Trying and doing are not the same thing.
People don’t achieve their resolutions because they tried. They make their dreams come true when they commit to completing the goal no matter what. They are willing to do whatever it takes, for as long as necessary. They don’t try. They do.
Failure is the Only Option
I used to be a person who tried to achieve a resolution. I would start out strong, lose a little momentum, then chalk it up as a failure and quit. Here’s something I learned this past year that changed everything: failing is a necessary part of achieving big goals. It’s not the end of the road; it’s an opportunity to learn and assess your next move.
Going back to the power of words, I have redefined the word failure. It’s now a good thing to me. I try to fail as often as possible, because it means I’m putting myself out there. Every failure gets me one step closer to success. The only true failure is quitting.
The Plan for 2020
If you’ve given up on New Year’s resolutions, then stop making resolutions. Make plans instead. There is no connotation of try in the word plan. It’s just something you’re going to do. I’ve learned that goals are never achieved if you don’t believe you will achieve them. So now I make plans for 2020. There is no doubt, no trying. Just doing, failing and doing some more. What are your plans for 2020?
