It feels good to make New Year’s resolutions.

You look at them on the page with inner satisfaction. They are well-thought-out. They are articulate. You’re proud of the thought and depth in those words.

So why is it after a few weeks they are long forgotten?

It happens to 92% of us.

Why not try a totally different approach to resolutions this year.

Pick a word describing a quality you want

Pick a word that describes the quality you want to focus on this year.

If you are typically a fun or adventurous person, its easy to default to those words. You’re known that way, described that way and will (no doubt) continue to be who you already are.

This question asks you to look at another quality. It’s one you are reminded by loved ones you could use more of or something you know deep down you want to ‘be’ (i.e. grateful, patient, forgiving, courageous, authentic, resourceful, resilient..etc…..)

The word you choose will be your guide throughout the year.

Write it down

Speak the word out loud every morning; use it to finish the sentence – I am __________.

I’ve found focusing on a quality of ‘being’ rather than resolutions and goals not only gives my mind something to do but it feels warming and wonderful. It also tells me how to be and that’s easier to do and remember.

Think of is as a SOUL GOAL

This kind of ‘soul goal’ will make you feel better than an external goal and it is more fun and easier to sustain.

Which is all that really counts in the end as far as resolutions and goals go. Right?

Action

One word. Just one.

Write it down. Speak it. Live it.

And then……..

Imagine how you’ll be described at this time next year.

Take your soul goal up a notch

Yesterday I had an email from my friend Lynn who has her Masters in Social Work was in private counselling practice for 19 years and worked in the addiction field for 10 years.

“In terms of the soul goal, I used to suggest people use their ‘word’ when feeling stuck. Ask the self, how does/might ‘word’ fit in this situation? Becomes another way to use your soul goal.”