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  • 3 Reasons Why New Year Resolutions Do Not Work

3 Reasons Why New Year Resolutions Do Not Work

January 1, 2013 — 16 Comments

Are you sick and tired of hearing everyone talk about their New Year Resolution?

Do you feel like the same person that talked about his resolution last year is still just “talking” about it this year?

Personally, I’m sick of my own New Year Resolutions that don’t work.

Why New Year Resolutions Do Not Work

Why New Year Resolutions Do Not Work

There are 3 very real reasons why New Year Resolutions DO NOT WORK

Resolutions Are Weak and Unspecific

Resolutions produce a brief emotional spark of excitement.  They are like the fireworks shot at midnight.  They are pretty, loud, and quickly gone.

Dump the resolution and get a goal.

A goal beats out a resolution every time.  It wins because a goal has specific principles that make it work:

  1. It is clear – not vague.
  2. It can be measured.
  3. It requires time.
  4. It requires work.
A New Year is Not a New You

1 second on a clock does not transform you into the Prince of 2013.  Sorry.  It’s still you.

If you want a new you, there 2 ways to make that happen:

  1. Accept Jesus as your personal savior.  This is the only instant transformation of a person that is real and lasting.  But you and I both know Christians are far from perfect.  So, go to step 2.
  2. Work daily on your character.
Habits are Formed Over Time

If it took you 5 years to gain 37 pounds, it is going to take you some time to loss it too.  I’m speaking from experience here.

Financial freedom comes from the discipline of saying “No.”

Wisdom comes from a daily search.

The Bottom line is this

Habits take time to build.  Habits take discipline.  Proclaiming discipline does not make you disciplined.  Proclaiming a resolution doesn’t change you.

Working daily towards goals changes you.

Dump the New Year Resolution and Pump Personal Goals

Question:  What will you not resolve to do?  What goal will you work towards in 2013?

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Todd Liles

Todd Liles

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I am Todd Liles, and this is my personal blog. It is focused on "Living Well." I follow Christ, I lead my family, and teach at Service Excellence Training. Get more of Todd on Google+.
  • http://jonstolpe.com/ Jon Stolpe

    One goal for 2013 is to write an eBook. I’m hoping to release it between now and the end of the spring.

    • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

      That’s a great goal Jon. Let me help you on that goal. Share with me your topic and outline with milestone dates. I’ll help hold you accountable.

    • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

      That’s a great goal Jon, looking forward to reading it.

      • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

        Me too!

  • http://www.joshuarivers.net/ Joshua Rivers

    I have several goals that I listed on my blog, but two of my main focuses for early in the year is to get my business going and to lose 50+ pounds.

    • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

      Do it brother! Make it happen. By the way, I was looking up “The Wheel of Life” and your goal post showed up in my search. Good job!

      • http://www.joshuarivers.net/ Joshua Rivers

        That’s awesome! It’s been interesting to see what people have searched to find my posts.

  • http://caroldublin.com/ Carol Dublin

    I have 5 main goals, one of which is to run a marathon in April. Yikes! But I am approaching it as a Journey (one of my 3 focus words), so I am excited about the process. Great post!

    • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

      Carol,

      What an awesome goal!  I believe you can do it!

      ——– Original message ——–

      • http://caroldublin.com/ Carol Dublin

        Thanks for the encouragement Todd!

  • http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon

    My big goal in 2013 is to lose 52lbs…one per week. I think it is a goal and not a resolution, because it can be broken down and worked over the year. I also want to finally complete a one-year bible reading plan. Great reminders on how to set clear goals!

    • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

      Tom, those are goals you can achieve.   Here are 2 tools I use:  The Calorie Counter Ap, and the 1 year Bible.
      Go get’em!

      ——– Original message ——–

  • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

    I’m with you, I have planned and set goals for 2012 and look forward to taking the steps to accoplish them. I made it a point to write them down so I can follow and keep track of them so am looking forward to seeing the results. Great thoughts.

    • http://www.toddliles.com/ Todd Liles

      Dan – You are going to rock your goals buddy! Go get’em.

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