Dooley Noted: 1/2/2014
In the past few weeks, I’ve read copious opinion pieces about goal setting instead of making resolutions.
I finally figured out the difference in 2011, when I made a resolution to write a daily post about health, life, and longevity.
Over 1,000 posts later, that daily resolution (aka Dooley Noted) turned into a daily habit that is now entering its fourth year.
The problem that arises with resolutions is the lack of structure to attain consistency. When you make a resolution, you are asking for a result.
If you think of a resolution more like a goal, you can obtain a structure or program to help you attain it.
With Dooley Noted, I made the posts non-negotiable. I was to write ideas as they came to me, but each subway ride was to be spent in part on Dooley Noted. No negotiations.
With my 2014 goal of a one-armed push-up, I could have followed someone else’s program or struggled through my own assessment. Instead, I provided structure to the goal by hiring a coach to assess, program, and re-assess all progress points.
A resolution equates to “I want.” A goal equates to “How do I get to the desired result?”
I’m a consistent goal achiever because I have learned the difference.
Some quick tips for goal achievement:
1. Get assessed and helped by a third party. Be held accountable.
2. Block out the time commitment needed as a non-negotiable.
3. Take photos and videos when appropriate to track daily progress.
4. Realize that impossible only exists in your mind – the same place the goal was set. Goal setting, achievement and failure all reside there.
5. Realize that you – and only you – are in charge of your devotion to goal attainment.
I hope you achieve the set goal. But as always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley