Hello New Year! It’s that time of the year again. And guess what, everyone is busy introspecting and reflecting on what went well and what didn’t, what to change and what to stick with from the previous year. These already sound like resolution formulations to me, but not everyone is quite aware of this.

Some think that resolutions are overrated and old-fashioned and I don’t blame them, I used to think so too – until I learnt that everyone is a resolutioner, one way or the other, whether they like it or not. A resolutioner is really just one who makes a resolution. And a resolution is a promise you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad. There’s a thin line between resolutions and goals. Yes, they are similar and are sometimes used synonymously but there is a difference.

I always compare resolutions to a vision; I cannot imagine one living life without a vision, it sounds bizarre and disastrous to me. A vision is a visualized perfect image of what needs to become. And the steps between the vision and the ‘becoming’ are goals. Goals are the building blocks of a resolution. They don’t exist independently of a vision/ resolution. You identify a need for a change (vision), resolve to bring the change about (resolution) and then create an action strategy to bring the change to reality (goals).

I have heard many arguments about resolutions and goals. Some argue that goals are better because they are more precise and action-oriented than resolutions, and I don’t dispute that. But I would rather introduce a different lens to look through: resolutions are a gateway for change, and goals are the steps taken to bring about that change. So unless someone can make me understand how they can make goals without having identified a need for change or seeing the bigger picture of what should eventually become, I will keep making resolutions.

Am I trying to argue that resolutions are more important than goals, therefore? Not by any chance. For smart resolutioners, the two cannot be independent of each other. I’m not talking to those who make resolutions for the sake of it or just for the resolution fever, but to those who understand and really want to see the change.

The beginning of the year carries some sense of fresh start; for others it’s an opportunity to do better. For those starting new schools and that new grade, it feels like progress. For some starting new jobs, it feels like growth. And we also have those who feel like here comes another bunch of twelve months. So the beginning of the year means different things to different people in their respective walks of life.

The common denominator of all is the expectedness and willingness to do something anew, to start afresh. It is that resolved mind to change something for the betterment of self. It could be obtaining that driver’s license you’ve been procrastinating (like myself), or starting with gym, reading books more, managing your social life or even spending more time studying to improve your grades. These all make it to a resolutions list, but without proper planning and time-frames will remain but mere resolutions. . In order to come to life, they should be broken down into specific goals that are concrete and specific – and it’s a good idea to jot them down and set reminders in your virtual calendar.

Good luck!

Tell us: what’s your golden resolution for this year ?