This is the time of year when resolutions abound. There is sufficient information to indicate that only 20% of all new year resolutions are achieved and most are abandoned by the beginning of February.
What if we were to turn the idea of setting a resolution on its head and consider how we could live into our best self and resolve each day to do so? It might enable us to lean into our brilliance, guided by the principles that move us toward the characteristics and bring forth a sense of well-being.
SMART Goals, an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely, are great for generating focus, like completing a couch to 5K. While sometimes valuable, I know they also can cause people to abandon their goals when they are not aligned with their principles.
As we approach February, how have you been able to align your new year resolution (if you made one) with your principle? Principle can be defined as a fundamental truth that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior for a chain of reasoning.
prin·ci·ple
a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.
Depending on your cultural or social situation, you might have a different interpretation of this word. For me, the word “principle” is rich and inspirational, especially when I think about its meanings of truth and system of belief.
Even truth can have several meanings ranging from personal opinions to factual statements. The first one could be the statement “it is a beautiful winter’s day.” Well, if you like winter, then it is beautiful, but if you prefer summer, then it might not be so beautiful. A factual statement is more absolute such as “we all have a finite amount of time on the planet,” with the when as the unknown factor.
A system of belief helps us understand and define the world around us. Although it is not fixed, it evolves with knowledge and awareness. When we think about the system of belief that fuels our thoughts and behaviors, how have these systems changed over time? In what ways have they cultivated whole-ness and authenticity to empower us?
What narratives have you internalized about new year resolutions, and how do they serve you in becoming your best self? Now, consider your goals again. How will achieving or not achieving them impact your year or your life?
Life is a process and, as complex multiple dimensional beings, we learn to adapt to changes along the way. Every day is a new beginning. We have been called to do this for the past two years. As 2022 unfolds, what are you adding to your ecosystem of well-being?
Having clarity and understanding about the principles that fuel our goals is helpful in guiding us along the journey. Some of us might lose our way or need guidance to define a new path that is more connected with our values. While we may not end up where we thought we would, we also could be pleasantly surprised by what actually happens.
Is this the year you will invest in your well-being and engage a coach?
Working with a coach can help you clarify what is important to you, help you stay focused, and adjust as needed. An experienced professional might help you see more clearly what might not be so apparent to you. This partnership can set you on a path to success.
At BETA Coaching and Consulting, we help professionals realize their personal and professional definitions of well-being across multiple dimensions.
Let me know how 2022 is unfolding and what you’re adding to your ecosystem of well-being below in the comments.