The Inner Ring

Resolutions vs. Goals

By RobbieAlexander, NSCA-CPT, APDT

Do you want to be known as a dreamer or more of a goal achiever?Every year at this time, so many people get caught up in the same old, NewYear’s traditions. There are New Year’s party plans, Rose Parade campouts,football games and of course, the resolutions to change various aspects of yourlife. Unfortunately, people don’t talk about “why” they desire to achieve theirresolutions or how they will plan to invest in accomplishing their definitionof success. How much common sense is really common practice when it comes toresolutions? I intend to at least get your creative processes going forexperiencing real success momentum all the way to the end of 2020.

In the book “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” the greatSteven Covey talked about “being proactive” and “beginning with the end in mind.”With these philosophies in mind, I’m going to list a few things you should beat least thinking about before the New Year begins so you can start planningyour 2020 game plan more effectively.

Five YearVision

God’s word says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” So what’s your vision for each area of life? Get specific. Before setting goals, there has to be a vision. Set aside some quiet time to visualize your new lifestyle. Include all the details. The people, new habits, income sources as well as the new way you will sit, stand, walk and talk. Allow yourself to really have fun with this step.

Annual Goals

Resolutions are weak. Goals with timelines however, are much morepowerful especially when homework and financial investments are connected tothem. Without slaying life’s “dragons” don’t expect to obtain “gold.” Thesegoals should be birthed from your five year vision. Every year, I sit down witha paper calendar and chicken scratch what monthly goals I’m going toaccomplish, what the costs will be and by what specific dates they should bedone.

MonthlySmall Goals (Steps)

These are “bite sized” smaller goals that are much more attainableand will develop the confidence and momentum for accomplishing your biggerannual goals.

WeeklyAccomplishments

Here’s where this journey gets interesting. Earn your weekends by accomplishing the fitness, career, relational, spiritual and mental tasks that will make you do a victory dance and high five yourself. Finish every week with a personal reward and prepare for accomplishing new goals the following week.

DailyVictories (The 5 a.m. Plan)

Every morning, rise at a timethat will give you at least two hours before you have to leave to your morningdestination. The goal is to see how much I can accomplish before leaving thehouse which begins with making a flawless bed and may include praying andworship time, training, reading, cleaning and organizing before showering.Daily morning discipline is how my five year vision becomes a reality. 

It is my hope that this article can give you a head start forexperiencing success in 2020 and beyond. If you hit a plateau this year, likeeveryone does from time to time, remember your “why” and the “end vision” ofyour life five years from now. This is the key for higher motivation,unstoppable drive and continued action toward success.

Real health begins with inner wealth.  

You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness or nutritional program to determine if it is right for your needs. This publication offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read in this article. The use of any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.

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