As we're fast approaching 2023, let's discuss your vision for 2023. Having a vision gives you a direction that helps define the short and long-term goals that guide you into action. 

However, have you made new year's resolutions only to realise that you don't quite stick to them? You repeated the process, or even the same new year's resolutions, for a few years, only to find it challenging to follow through and achieve the result you desire.

We've all been there, haven't we?

Why New Year's Resolutions Fail

Research shows that only 12% to 39% of people who make yearly New Year's resolutions succeed in making effective changes in their lives and achieving their goals for the year. If you think the figure is acceptable, you must know the percentage drops as people age. So, why do people fail at keeping their New Year's resolutions?

• Goals are too epic

Although it's understandable to be ambitious, successful people know that goals should be realistic. Most folks have a "sweet spot" for everything, including challenges. It must not be too easy. Otherwise, folks lose interest. The goal mustn't be too difficult, either, lest you give up in the middle of the fight. Find your challenge sweet spot to increase the chances of accomplishing whatever resolutions you have for 2023.

• Goals are too vague

A realistic goal for 2023 takes you closer to achieving your vision for the year. However, it's not enough. Your objective must also be clear. For example, you might want to earn more money for 2023. That's vague because some people might consider an extra $1,000 on their current salary enough, while others want a five-digit increase. The clearer your intentions for the new year, the more likely you'll succeed in keeping your New Year's resolution.

• Lacking personal connections to goals

People fail to keep New Year's resolutions because their goals hinge on others' resolutions. For instance, you might want to develop a six-pack by the end of 2023 because all your buddies are into it. You'll want to determine what you want for yourself, regardless of what others' resolutions are.

• Expecting instant results 

Another reason people fail in their New Year's resolutions is expecting quick results. It's like fad diets that marketers push, promising weight loss in three days. Meaningful change doesn't occur overnight or after only one session. It requires dedication, commitment, and perseverance to achieve goals in small increments.

Forming Effective Habits as Key to Creating a More Thriving 2023 

The key takeaway is to form effective habits that form the foundation of your New Year's resolution efforts, one that is sustainable over time. Here's what you can do to kickstart your planning to create and achieve a thriving 2023:

Envision Your Life

The goal is to visualise yourself in the distant future, say, twenty to thirty years from now. This vision of yourself and your life is your North Star, guiding you in creating yearly New Year's resolutions. Think of it as a roadmap, with your life's vision as the endpoint. Along the way are smaller goals you want to achieve annually. 

Dedicate at least a Day of Peace and Quiet for Reflection

A clear vision of your life provides a lifetime target. You'll want to move closer to the vision by making resolutions every year. Keep your annual goals realistic, measurable, specific, and achievable to make it easier to turn the "routine" into "habits." 

You will want to devote at least a day of quiet reflection annually. Lock yourself in the room and place a "don't disturb" sign at the door. Turn off all distractions, including PCs, tablets, smartphones, and other devices that might interrupt your reflection. Most people require three days to meditate and ponder things they want to achieve for the year. 

Review and evaluate

On the day of yearly planning, prepare several sheets of paper or use a word application if you're more comfortable with it. Reflect on the following things.

• Review the status of the past goals

It's okay if you only had rudimentary goals last year. Try to recall each one, including objectives or sub-goals. Make an honest assessment of the outcomes without analysing or making value judgments. 

• Evaluate what went well

Look at some things that went well last year and identify all your wins and accomplishments. You'll need this step to get you excited and explore possibilities. A little self-congratulation doesn't hurt.

• Determine areas that quite went as planned

Identify areas that didn't go as planned or fell short of annual goals. Even though the information can be uncomfortable, accept it and learn from it. It will allow you to focus and prioritise fixes for 2023.

• Accomplishments

List all accomplishments and activities that made you happy. Celebrating these milestones will help you feel good, increasing the release of happy hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.

• Forgive and Forget

Forgiveness is the best gift you can give yourself, and forgiving wholly benefits you. Let go of resentment, anger, or vengeance. Embrace forgiveness because you'll feel lighter moving forward. On the same note, think of the people and things you've to let go of. You can make a decision to forgive. You have the power to let it go and stop being a hostage to the resentment.

Create Your Vision for 2023

You may not have a clear and well-defined vision overnight, and that's okay, as it may take some time.

What Do You Want?

Consider all aspects of your life - family and friends, career and success, health and quality of life, personal growth and spiritual connection. Evaluate why you want certain things, their significance, and how achieving them can improve your life. What really matters to you in life? 

Are what you want aligning with your values, purpose and talents?

Remember to focus on what you want, not what others expect of you. At the same time, also think about what you do not want and why?

Give yourself permission to explore and dream big. Remember to list everything before analysing each one for prioritisation.

Final Thoughts

It takes work to create a vision for 2023 and beyond. So, it's best to take it one step at a time. Start with your vision board today and work on the other details, such as setting goals and milestones next week. Take your time and make the process fun and enjoyable.

Are you ready to design, create and live your thriving 2023? I've developed a free virtual workshop for you, 'Design Your Thriving 2023'. Inside the workshop, I'll provide the step-by-step framework to help you set goals and vision for 2023 and create milestones that will support you in living your thriving year. I've also created a workshop to guide you along. Click here to sign up.

Like yourself, I'm on a journey of growth. Every year-end, it is my privilege to set aside some time to conduct free virtual workshops for individuals who are interested in joining me on this journey of personal growth and development.

You'll be thankful that you'd join me on this journey. And also, you can thank me later for this free workshop.

With gratitude,