Christmas is over – now it’s time for New Year’s resolutions
As we count down the last few days of 2009, many people review their achievements for the last year and start making New Year resolutions and setting goals for the year ahead. I have a few personal goals that no doubt will be shared by many – lose weight, get fit, save money, which I’m sure are the same resolutions I made in 2009..
According to wikipedia, the most popular resolutions are “quit smoking, stop drinking too much, lose weight and get fit” (I’ve got two of those covered). However, recent research shows that only 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals and only 12% actually achieved them. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting by setting small, measurable goals like “lose a pound in weight a week” rather than just “lose weight”, while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from friends.
In the early 20th century, New Year’s resolution postcards were printed which focussed on more socio-centric intentions. These included “attempting to live a simple, sincere and serene life, repelling thoughts of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity and self-seeking and cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity and charity.” Take a look at wikipedia’s definition of New Year’s resolutions for more. How the world has changed since then!
I shall take the next few days to reflect on my business goals for 2010 before getting back into the swing of things on January 4. There are a couple of new ventures starting early in the New Year which include working with a new business coach and networking with Wendy Moore from SavvyWebWomen. I’m very excited about both of these and look forward to getting started!
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