What's the difference between Resolutions and Goals?
Resolve to execute on goals
"Resolutions" and "goals" are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings and are often used in different contexts. Personally, I detest the entire resolution mindset, and its cousin, the “everything is a goal” mindset.
I was about to send this Substack post and received the following from Max Anders….
As we all know, it’s traditional to make New Year’s resolutions on the first of the year. We also all know that it is traditional to break them soon afterward.
Failing at New Year’s resolutions is so common that they are informal and have unofficial days for “unresolving.” January 17 is “Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day.” The second Friday in January has been dubbed the unofficial “Quitter’s Day.” One survey found that the average resolution lasts 3.74 months.
Seriously….I’m surprised it’s not 3.74 days.
What’s the difference? Here's an overview……
Resolutions are often broader and more general statements or decisions about making a positive change in one's life. They are commonly associated with the beginning of a new year and represent a commitment to adopting new habits or behaviors.
Goals should be specific, measurable, and not necessarily time-bound (being time-bound or not is controversial and elaborate in a future post). A Goal should target a vision or purpose you intend to achieve. Goals are more concrete and provide a clear direction for action.
People often make New Year's resolutions to mark a fresh start and to set the tone for the upcoming year. While a few individuals find success in achieving their resolutions, most have good intentions but don’t have the fortitude to overcome challenges and setbacks. Good intentions are seldom more than a forgotten fleeting thought.
If you insist on having just a New Year’s resolution, make it part of a bigger event…
Have a Goal
Develop a Plan
“Resolve” to accomplish that plan with intentional execution.
To that end….