Beyond Resolutions: Adopting Intentionality For A Purposeful Year

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Resolutions are promises we make to ourselves. To make things easier, let's put it this way; resolution is like a pinky swear you make with your inner self. They vary from one person to another and can be about anything. Resolutions can be about anything we want to achieve, whether our physical and mental health, skills, goals, aspirations, dreams, and so on. Resolutions keep us on our toes and help us to achieve better versions of ourselves.

The importance of resolutions cannot be overemphasized, neither can it be overlooked. For those confused about their goals and how to go about achieving them, resolutions can serve as a source of purpose and direction. However, resolution can be a tricky idea. Making resolutions might sound easy, but in the real sense, it is quite harder than people tag it to be. Making resolutions that last isn't an easy task. To make your resolutions achievable/last, the goal is to make SMART resolutions.

There's a clear difference between making “normal” resolutions and SMART resolutions. While normal resolution tends to be vague and unachievable in the long run, SMART resolutions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Smart resolutions are not vague, and in the long run, they increase the chances of achieving success. To start with, the first step to making SMART resolutions is to make sure they are specific. Narrow your resolution down to specific details. Instead of saying “One of my New Year's resolutions is to increase my Hive Power.” Instead, we can narrow it down and specify what it means to us. Put it this way. “One of my New Year’s resolutions is to achieve 50HP every week.” Making specific resolutions allows us to focus more effectively.

Moving on, a resolution should be measurable. To make your resolutions smart, it has to be something you can track in the long run. For example, make a resolution to achieve 500HP before the end of the year/month (however it suits you). In the same vein, it is important to set achievable resolutions, not unrealistic ones. For example, a worker earning $200 a month makes a resolution to buy a Ferrari by the end of the year. Considering his salary, this resolution is not achievable. It is pertinent to make resolutions that are within your reach. Of course, dreaming big isn’t a bad idea. But, when we dream too big, we tend to be disappointed at the end of the day when things don’t go our way. Instead of making unrealistic resolutions, focus on making resolutions that are within your power.

Resolutions should be relevant. Don’t make unnecessary resolutions that are not related to your interest. If you’re a student and your interest is to succeed in your studies, make resolutions that are relevant to your studies. To avoid distractions, don’t go beyond your studies. Lastly, time-bound. Setting a deadline for our achievements helps us stay focused and determined.

Making resolutions is a very good way to start the year. It is like starting on a fresh note. As I mentioned earlier, making resolutions varies from one person to another. With all that I’ve written, it is clearly obvious that I accept the fact that resolutions are good, however, I’ve studied myself and discovered that whenever I make resolutions, the motivation fizzles out after a while. Yes! I’ve got goals that I’d love to achieve this year. I’ve got SMART goals. However, I’m not writing them down because the heat/motivation will only last a while. Instead, I’m adopting a new strategy to be intentional about my goals, aspirations, and dreams (I got this idea from Olujay’s Tweet on X). Let’s make big moves this year.

Adopting a new strategy to be intentional about my goals instead of making resolutions does not mean I do not have a plan. It means I'm taking a more personalized and mindful approach. I'm creating a plan that aligns with my mindset. I've got goals to achieve and I'm going to be intentional and thoughtful about them. Let's go!

Thanks for reading.

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