How to Draft Practical, Achievable New Year Resolutions

Most often than not, people tend to consider the subject of drafting their New Year resolutions in a lighter vein. On the contrary, the planning and execution of New Year resolutions should be considered an earnest and responsible task that one owes to self, family and the society as a whole. The whole gamut of drafting the New Year resolutions can be converted from a mechanical annual ritual to a creative and fruitful exercise with a little extra effort.

With the help of the following tips, you will be able to put down a list of New Year resolutions that are meant to be kept; that will actually help you become a better 'wholesome' individual- personally, professionally, socially and spiritually. You will find the whole process of drafting the New Year resolutions' list a surprisingly fresh and pleasant task; something that can be cherished throughout the New Year. No more apprehensions. No more guilt pangs. No more snide remarks.

Here is how you would go about putting together your act of drafting a list of some practical, achievable and 'unbreakable' New Year resolutions:

Step 1: Do a SWOT Analysis of your last one year.

S for your Strengths. What were your plus points regarding your performances and achievements at personal (physical, mental, spiritual), professional and social levels during last year? Do you have a yearning for further improvements in the coming year? Make a list.

W for your Weaknesses at all the levels mentioned in the preceding paragraph. What do you think were the reasons for those weak performances? Make a list. Do not cheat yourself. Be honest! For each weakness, jot down the positive changes you would make (in your attitude and actions) during the next few months.

O for Opportunities that knocked on your door during the last one year. How many did you utilize? How many did you miss? Make a list of opportunities that you would not want to miss again.

T for Threats. What were the challenges that you had to face during the last year? How many did you tackle head on? How many actually pulled you back? Make a list of threats that you may face again and note down the resources that you will have to mobilize to meet those threats.

Step 2: Review your SWOT analysis list.

You have the list? Good. Now sit down and go through the list with a comb.

Sort out the gems and pearls that you would like to retain and improve upon during the next year.

Get tough with yourself. Prune the list to include some difficult to attain, but unavoidable and essential tasks along with the simpler and straight forward ones. Convert the challenges into opportunities for progress!

Chuck out the real stiff resolutions that you already know you are going to break.

In a creative frame of mind? Group your selections into 'easy, not so easy and difficult' categories. Also try assorting into 'very essential, essential and not so essential' New Year resolutions.

If your ego doesn't bother you (it should not!), discuss the list with your spouse and/or close friends. While you are at it, help them prepare their lists as well. This is the best New Year gift you can present them! One word of caution, however: for such an interaction to be effective, both sides should be open and receptive to unconditional two way critical appraisals. Otherwise, this plan could boomerang and cause damage to interpersonal relationships!

Step 3: Prepare a Plan of Action.

Make a plan of action. Fix short term (1 month), intermediate (3-4 months) and long term (1 year) goals. Classify and group your resolutions accordingly.

Step 4: The Final Step. Record Your New Year Resolutions in Black & White.

It is always advisable to have a vision of what you want to achieve during the next one year, 5 years, 10 years and so on. At present, though, let us concentrate on the coming New Year.

Remember:

Vision = Dream with a date & plan of action!

It is important to put down all your resolutions with a specific date and plan of action (if you have not done so in step 3) in black and white.

Take a large font printout and paste it where you can see it first thing in the morning and last thing before going to bed at night.

You are all set to make your practical, achievable New Year resolutions!