This post is “part 2” of a discussion on effective new year’s resolutions (“part 1” was published last week and was entitled “Are Your New Year’s Resolutions Doomed?”)
So, last week we discussed the main “resolution trap” and its consequences – what’s a better way?
FROM THEMES TO ACTION
In short, start with the “big picture” and work your way back to action. Abandon the long list of resolutions and decide on 3-5 “life-changing themes” that you really want to see happen. As we noted previously, they are typically broad areas of improvement that affect multiple areas of your life (this often takes “bedrock” soul-searching & vision – be deliberate, take your time). Once the themes are identified, let them guide you to the most important activities needed to move them forward during the year. Even though you are still getting things done “one task at a time,” your loyalty is now to the 3-5 “life-changing themes” that give you direction, motivation and flexibility to make progress wherever they apply. In other words, you stay true to making a big difference in your life versus just completing a random list of tasks.
LAUNDRY OR UNCLUTTERED LIFE?
Let’s take a mundane example from everyday life to illustrate the concept – disorganization & laundry sitting in piles. I can either decide that one of my resolutions will be to put away my laundry as soon as it is washed, or decide that one of my themes will be an orderly or uncluttered life. If I pick the former, it will likely seem more manageable, but prompt me to focus on the laundry as an end in itself and leave other parts of my disorganized life unaddressed… ultimately leaving me dissatisfied.
If I focus on the theme of having an orderly life, I now have to think about the underlying causes & solutions to my problem versus just the “laundry symptom.” One high priority action might be to first create a weekly schedule of all my routine activities and assign a designated time throughout the week (including laundry…exercise…blogging, etc!).
Once I have the weekly schedule, what is the next thing I need to do to make the maximum progress on my theme of an “uncluttered life”? Is it really the laundry? Maybe I need to first get the rest of my family on a weekly schedule (…so they can help put away laundry, etc.). Get the point? By staying true to my “life-changing theme” I am much more flexible and effective at “winning the war” of an organized life than the short-term satisfaction of just mechanically focusing on the “laundry pile skirmish”.
FOCUS & FLEXIBILITY
Remember, we will/must get to the “laundry action level” at some point, but make the big life-changing theme your focus, letting it steer you like a heat-seeking missile to the areas most in need of change. This will keep you challenged, motivated and “big-picture-oriented,” while giving you the flexibility to “pivot” to take on the biggest challenges, instead of just rigidly completing disjointed tasks.
In the next post I’ll break all of it down into a couple of simple steps for you to make it actionable. Since, as you might guess, the first step is to choose your “life-change themes,” why don’t you get started thinking about that? Identify at least one. If you feel comfortable sharing it, I’m sure it would inspire all of us in our journey. In fact, if you leave a comment with one of your themes, I’ll respond with some of mine as well.
Pictures via Compfight: 
joiseyshowaa, Matt Kowal
Reading back over this for this year. Thanks Johannes!
Hope you find it useful. Thanks so much for the honor of your attention and feedback. I wish you a blessed new year.
JM
Be the best I can be in everything I do, whether it’s school, work, working out, or playing golf. Give God the glory through it all.
Thanks Clay for sharing! I appreciate your focus on living life for a “higher calling.” It will be important for you to look at the areas you mention, understand where you are, and set specific improvement goals (ex. raise my grades by “X”, be able to benchpress “Y” etc.).
Another one of my “life change themes” is to be an engaged and involved husband and father. I’ve found that I’ve often left my family relationships to “auto-pilot.” I need to prioritize them higher and want to take an active role in leading, forming, and nurturing these relationships…..making them happen, instead of letting them happen.
Thanks for sharing! (Good luck on those pullups)
One of my themes is to spend time with my “Band of Brothers”. These are four people who have invested in me throughout the years and who I can be completely open and honest with.
Wow! That’s a good one. I think this is an area of growth for everyone, but especially for men. Many of us (certainly not all) tend to be social “lone rangers” – surrounded by people but still “alone.” It’s so good to have relationships that are positive, close & supportive. I look forward to hearing how you make sure it will actually happen (you could let me know on my next post).
Another one of my “life change themes” is to “decide & take action.” I tend to analyze, plan envision, etc. but need to do better at pushing myself to take decisive action. I’ve found that having priorities helps me know where I need to take action and where I can wait.
Thanks for sharing!
Not exactly sure if this is a theme but my goal is to live beyond the panic of always being late, or behind, or driven by a crazy schedule. I’m choosing to simplify our schedule some and work it instead of the schedule working me.
That’s great! Schedules are an area that is challenging for many people (including me!). I think you’re on the right track by focussing on simplification. It oftens means saying “NO” more and being more selective in saying “YES,” based on your priorities.
One of my “life change themes” is to “live in the moment.” I find that I often miss “living fully” today because my mind is so far in the future and absorbed with other things. Among other things, it means I need to compartmentalize & focus and bring more intensity to many areas of life – relationships, network, projects, future ambitions, etc.
Thanks for sharing!