What’s your take on New Year’s resolutions? Do you find them a) helpful, b) useless, or c) a harmless annual ritual? Wherever you fall on the question, millions of people determine that some life aspect requires improvement and the time for action will take place when the calendar flips to January. You’re familiar with some of the popular ones: to exercise regularly, pay off debt, get organized, and to make more time for family and friends. New year, new you—right?
It’s common knowledge that many of these goals, unfortunately, fall by the wayside—sometimes in a matter of days or weeks! So regardless of how worthwhile a resolution may be, it’ll fail if it’s not well conceived. A combination of motivation, efficacy, and discipline will be required in order for goals to stick. Count me in the “pro” New Year’s resolutions camp because—even as many of these aspirations go unrealized—the very idea of making one suggests a healthy inclination, a desire for self-betterment.
May I suggest a resolution? Make this a year to learn, grow and improve.
Learn
Learning never ends! If applicable, consider opportunities for continuing education or other career-benefitting credentials—especially if your industry’s standards are evolving. It’s a great way to stay current and maintain your professional edge. Learn in a variety of ways, too; read more, pick up a new language, or take on an engaging hobby.
Grow
To learn means to grow. Even at an advanced biological age, we never arrive at a stage where growth should cease. There’s always something new to stretch our capacity as human beings. When we’re open to growth, we admit that what we are, and our ability to understand, isn’t quite finished.
Improve
Having a mindset for growth translates to a want for consistent improvement. As a business leader, I don’t mean this in an exacting and unforgiving way. Striving to be better in every facet of your personal and work life is positive but only when the idea is advanced incrementally with reasonable expectations and patience.
Resolving to learn, grow, and improve—regardless of what the calendar reflects—is invariably a wise decision. It might be to boost job security or to become a better spouse and parent. In the end, it’s all about seeking the expanse of our potential. And to be candid, I haven’t always been successful in following through on my own resolutions! But I love that they foster hope and faith in what could be. I sincerely wish you the very best in 2020!