Was Your New Year’s Resolution A Wish or a Resolution?

Post from: Adult ADD Strengths

Many people make “New Year’s Resolutions” that are more like vague wishes but they don’t call them that. I’m going to lose 10 lbs, I’m going to drink less/exercise more/be more positive etc

Nothing wrong with a wish, but just saying you’re going to do something in the new year with out a strategy or plan to do it will usually lead to nothing other than disappointment.

People forget that a wish or an idea is the first important step, but it’s a beginning, not a complete solution. Not much power behind a resolution if you have no strategy or plan. Putting that strategy or plan to paper or computer makes it more real, especially if you schedule follow up to go along with it.

For those of you who have trouble with New Year’s resolutions, you might check out this post I did in 2006 called A New Year’s Theme. An Alternative to New Year’s Resolutions

Here’s just one part of it

1. You cannot officially commit to the theme until after January 1st or it doesn’t count. This is a way of removing the guilt and built up negative emotional and psychological baggage of previously unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions, allowing you to make a decision from a clearer, more realistic position.

I did well on my previous New Year’s Theme initially but then tapered off. To help reduce that this year, I’ve already programmed a New Year’s Theme Mid month evaluation reminder and and end of month reminder in ical to help keep me on track. Scheduling follow up is something adults with ADHD often forget to do.

My theme this year is getting stronger which can be interpreted in many ways, not just physical.

So did you make a New Year’s wish or a New Year’s Resolution?