Two resolutions for 2013
Celebrating the new year has
always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward
to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the
changes we want (or need) to make and resolve,
commit, to follow through on those changes. A key element to a New Year's
resolution that sets it apart from other resolutions is that it is made in
anticipation of the New Year and new beginnings. People committing
themselves to a New Year's
resolution generally plan to do so for the whole following year.
Historical
connections (where this idea came from…)
The ancient Babylonians made promises to
their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects
and pay their debts.
The
Romans began each year by
making promises to the god Janus, for whom the
month of January is named.
“SMAART” goals: A
way to approach resolution-setting
The
key to coming up with a resolution that has a chance of being accomplished,
with effort and perservernce. One way of
thinking about whether a resolution is a good one is to think of it as being
“SMAART”
Is
it specific? (and not
too broad)
Is
it measurable? (you can
tell if you met it)
Is
it attainable?
(realistic, doable)
Is
it action-oriented?(do
you actually have to do something to make it happen?)
Is
it results-oriented?
(you can see it working/successful by ‘seeing’ something as a result)
Is
it time-phased? (is
there some sort of time commitment attached to it)
For tonight’s
homework, I want you to come up with 2 goals for 2013. One is totally personal
to you, another must include someone else in your life who is meaningful to
you.
j A
resolution for yourself, about yourself, that is really all about your own
needs/wants. Try to come up with one that meets the “SMAART” requirements.
What is the resolution?
What 3-4 things do you need to start trying to
do to help make this resolution a reality?
k A
resolution for yourself that involves someone else (a parent, sibling, other
family member, teacher/coach, friend, someone else)
What is the resolution?
What 3-4 things do you need to start trying to
do to help make this resolution a reality?
This is going to remain confidential and will not be seen by anyone
but YOU.
