What is the difference between goals and resolutions

Each day, I try to live up to my resolutions. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail, but every day is a clean slate and a fresh opportunity. I never expect to be done with my resolutions, so I don't get discouraged when they stay challenging.

Which they do. The key here is to know which changes in your life should be attainable goals and which should be permanent resolutions. The resolution is the overarching theme or the implied direction you wish to take with your life. The goals are the activities that fall within the theme or the specific steps to take you to that place. Without goals, resolutions often go unmet. If you instead, set specific goals and check in with them on a regular basis it will help keep them at the forefront of your mind, making those resolutions more likely to become a reality.

Some goals involve establishing a new habit that will help you reach your goal. So, we will also address how habits can help you reach your goals.

Essentially, a resolution is something you will constantly be working toward, while a goal is specific and finite. Resolutions are made up of goals. While there is a difference between goals and resolutions, they are relevant and intertwined.

Which is it again? A resolution is really just an intention; what you really need is goal with a plan. Resolutions are statements of intention, while goals are statements of commitment. I will do X or I will not do Y. Resolutions also tend to aim for extreme changes—I will stop overspending—that creates an intimidating gap between the status quo and the desired outcome.

None of these approaches to achievement align with the way the human brain creates habits. Keep in mind: Any goal can share the counterproductive features of a resolution. It could mean losing fat, gaining muscle, increasing strength, improving cardiovascular ability, or something else entirely.

When you get specific about what success looks like, it gets much easier to stay connected to your desired outcome and create a plan to get there more on that later. That pressure to be perfect creates powerful mental blocks. Instead, set a goal tied to a set of related behaviors. Resolutions are not as powerful as goals because goals, when set right, include a mechanism of accountability and measurement that move you toward some desirable outcome.

Resolution Examples. Here are those same resolutions turned into a more powerful goal:. I will check my email 3 times daily and reply to everything I can immediately.

I will spend 1 hour per day on Facebook and net surfing. I will spend 1 hour per day reading. I currently weigh pounds. See the difference between avoiding something negative and persuing something positive? The difference between trying to adjust the negative and having a proactive measureable plan to achieve the positive?

Here are some tips to transform your weak resolutions into powerful goals.