Be SMART: Creating New Year’s resolutions that last

This will come as no surprise to you, but after a little research — thanks, Google — I determined the most common New Year’s resolutions typically revolve around self-improvement, health and productivity.

Topping the list is the resolution to exercise more. Coming in a close second is to eat healthier.

Saving money and managing finances better is next, followed by the goal to reduce stress and improve mental health. No. 5 is learning a new skill or hobby.

Next up: quit bad habits like smoking and drinking, spend more time with family and friends, travel more, be more productive, volunteer or donate, read more books, be more environmentally conscious, improve work-life balance and, finally, practice gratitude.

All are admirable goals. All are achievable. But we as humans often struggle to stick to our New Year’s resolutions for a variety of reasons.

Many of us set goals that are too ambitious or unattainable. Simply put, we set ourselves up for failure when we set unrealistic goals.

We also fail if our goals lack specificity and are hard to measure and track. Without a clear plan or strategy, it’s easy to lose focus.

We are also less likely to stick to our goals if we do not have external support or reminders to stay committed.

Other reasons I believe we fail include setting too many goals, putting too much pressure on ourselves, which can lead to anxiety and resentment, and simply losing motivation.

It’s true that old habits die hard and it’s easy to fall into old behaviors if we experience any setbacks.

Perhaps the biggest reason that we fail at those resolutions is the lack of immediate reward. We are a society that wants instant gratification.

Now that I’ve given you a long list of excuses for failure, do you still think that setting New Year’s resolutions is a good idea?

I have been submitting SMART goals for my job as manager at Brownfield and Learfield Ag for more than 20 years. The goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

Using those criteria makes goals more clear, motivating and attainable, increasing the chance of success.

If I were to actually set any New Year’s resolutions, I would probably go that route, building out a strategy for success.

But that just seems like a lot of extra work that I do not want to think about when I’m curled up under a fuzzy blanket in my recliner, enjoying the current food coma I am in from all those Christmas cookies and eggnog I’ve consumed the past couple of weeks — I am joking.

You know what works best for you. As for me, I will do my best to use my powers for good in 2025 and stick to the mantra, “Do better. Be better.”

Oh, and I have been thinking about brushing up on my welding skills in the coming year.