The Must-Do Secret to Planning Resolutions for Success

The Pitfalls of Resolution Planning

• 💡 Most people enjoy the planning stage of resolutions, often engaging in activities like buying new gear or scheduling time, which can be a form of fantasy fulfillment rather than genuine planning.
• ⚠️ A common mistake is creating a perfect plan that imagines effortless success, which provides a temporary dopamine hit but is unrealistic and sets one up for failure.
• 🧠 Resolutions based on shame or the need to prove self-worth are destined to fail because the inherent difficulty will trigger shame, leading to demotivation.

Aligning Resolutions with Values

• 🎯 True resolution success comes from aligning your life with chosen values, not from trying to prove your inherent worth.
• 🔑 Resolutions should not be used as a tool to stop feeling bad about yourself; if the underlying thoughts and feelings remain, motivation will wane.
• 🚀 The key is to choose resolutions that align with your personal values, which provides a more sustainable source of motivation.

The Biggest Mistake: Ignoring Obstacles

• 🚧 The biggest mistake in planning resolutions is only planning for success and not anticipating or planning for foreseeable obstacles.
• 🚫 It's not a lack of willpower or discipline that causes failure, but rather the failure to plan for normal obstacles related to thoughts, feelings, actions, or external circumstances.
• 🛠️ A real plan involves identifying all potential challenges and developing strategies to handle them, rather than relying on a fantasy of effortless execution.

Planning for Failure to Ensure Success

• 📈 True success requires planning to fail and overcome obstacles, which is a smart strategy, not a fatalistic one.
• ✅ By preparing for challenges realistically, you build genuine belief in your ability to change and achieve your goals.
• 🧠 Changing your thoughts is the core of changing actions; identifying and planning for the thoughts that lead you off track is crucial.

Coaching as a Bridge to Aspiration

• 🌉 Coaching and thoughtwork provide the bridge between your current abilities and your aspirations, helping you develop the necessary skills to align your life with your values.
• 🌱 Learning to change your thinking is a replicable skill that enables you to become the person capable of achieving your goals.
• ✨ Making resolutions successful involves understanding your values, identifying the gap between your current self and your desired self, and actively changing your thoughts and feelings to drive new actions.