What does that mean? It really should mean the same as “I commit to…,” but it often doesn’t have the same effect. Maybe if we actually said “I resolve to” when we told people our New Year’s resolutions it would help.

Now, here’s another question…Why am I waiting until the beginning of February to write about New Year’s resolutions? Because about a month ago everyone was excited about theirs…and thought they were committed to them. The reason I waited is because I want you to start understanding that resolutions and goals are very different from each other.

Goals work…resolutions usually don’t.

So, let’s think about resolutions for a bit.

I don’t really remember anyone stating their resolutions in the form of “This year I resolve to…” Usually, the conversation goes something like: “Joe, did you make any New Years resolutions?”

“Yeah, Pete, I’m going to lose weight this year!”

“That’s great, Joe, I’ve decided I’m going to exercise more. We’ll have to stay in touch to see how each other is doing!”

End of story. Joe might lose a few pounds in the next couple of weeks and Pete might actually do some push ups every other day for a week or so. And then they’ll both taper off to their normal life style.

Will either of them bring the subject up in March or April?

We know better than that! They’re friends! Why would they do something that might embarrass the other? And, even if they were tempted to, they won’t because that would give their friend the right to ask about their own resolution and how it was going…and they won’t want that!

So they’ll both employ the “don’t ask, don’t tell” technique…until next January 1st.

And then, the story will repeat itself!

More about why this happens and how to prevent it is coming soon!