There are many people who set New Year’s resolutions and we hear that most abandon them by mid-February at the latest.
I wonder what’s the point of setting a resolution if you are going to give up 40 days into the 365?
For those who do make resolutions, an important distinction to make is the type of resolution you are setting. Is it an outcome or action? Now is a great time to evaluate the type you have made this year.
Outcome resolutions describe the end state you seek to achieve and are finite. Action resolutions are still measurable, but infinite in their application.
Here is an example of the difference:
- Outcome – Lose 20 pounds by December.
- Action – Walk 10K steps every day.
My Perspective
To achieve your personal development goals, I think considering both outcomes and actions are necessary. The outcome is the vision for where you want to be at the end of the year and the action is one of the steps that can get you there.
For resolutions, I believe the actions are the best to choose. These are specific activities that can be worked into your routines and habits making them much more likely to stick.
With the outcome goal, you can delay and avoid acting because you “have until December” to accomplish.
Your Turn
Have you set a resolution for 2023?
If you did, is it an outcome or action resolution?
If it’s an outcome, what action can you pair with it to start today?
Steady progress on your actions all year long and you will meet that outcome goal.