New Year's resolutions and goals are both aims or objectives individuals set to achieve something, but they have some distinctions:
Timing:
New Year's Resolutions: These are commonly made at the start of a new year. They often involve making a commitment to change a behavior or achieve a specific outcome in the coming year.
Goals: Goals can be set at any time and are not necessarily tied to the beginning of a year. They can be short-term or long-term objectives set to achieve something specific.
Nature of Commitment:
New Year's Resolutions: Resolutions often tend to be more general and revolve around personal improvements or lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, etc.
Goals: Goals are typically more specific, and measurable, and can be short-term or long-term. They can be related to career, education, personal development, health, finance, etc.
Specificity:
New Year's Resolutions: Resolutions are often broad statements or intentions to make a change without specific plans or details on how to achieve them.
Goals: Goals are usually more detailed and specific, with a clear plan outlining the steps needed to achieve them. They are often SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Flexibility:
New Year's Resolutions: Resolutions may lack a detailed plan, making them somewhat flexible and subject to change or reinterpretation throughout the year.
Goals: Goals are more structured and have a defined plan, but they can still be adjusted or revised as circumstances change.
Duration:
New Year's Resolutions: Resolutions often target long-term behavioral changes but might lack a specific endpoint or timeframe.
Goals: Goals are usually time-bound with a set deadline or timeframe for achievement, whether short-term (within weeks or months) or long-term (spanning several years).
Approach to Achievement:
New Year's Resolutions: Resolutions often rely more on willpower, determination, and habit changes without a structured plan.
Goals: Goals are achieved through structured planning, setting milestones, and tracking progress regularly.
In summary, New Year's resolutions tend to be broader, less specific, and often involve lifestyle changes, while goals are more specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives that require a clear plan for achievement. If you would like help with committing to your 2024 goals contact Dr. Gretchen at healthierlifecoaching.com.
And Remember
"I want to make a difference in people’s lives!
I work to ensure everyone has an
equal opportunity to succeed."
-- Gretchen Pound, PhD
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