Sticking To Resolutions With Purpose

Goals and resolutions remind me of the Seinfeld episode when Jerry made a reservation for a car, but the rental place didn't have one for him. This led to Jerry humorously quipping about how easy it is to take a reservation, but the reservation doesn't mean anything unless it is actually kept.

It is natural to reflect on your self, career, goals, achievements, and failures at this time of year. Many of us will set goals and make resolutions based on those reflections. However, the resolution is only meaningful if it is kept.

This is where things get challenging.

Life gets in the way. Stuff happens. We get off track and lose our focus and drive to keep going.

There is no magic solution to this challenge. However, if you can align your goals with a grand purpose - a purpose that is greater than yourself and has a deep personal connection, you are more likely to stick with it when things get rough.

Need an example?

My dad quit smoking when I was young. I had asthma and the doctor said cigarette smoke was making me sick ALL THE TIME.

My father has been smoking since his teen years, and giving up was not easy. But he did it. Cold turkey. Sure he went to Smokers Anonymous, but he threw them out and never picked them up again.

He had a purpose greater than himself (his own health) - his son's health.

Happy New Year to you all. Here's to a kinder and smarter world in 2025.