Now, two weeks into the new year, we’re back into our routines, meeting daily demands and business as usual. If you’re the resolution type, you’ve either already fallen off that wagon or fallen behind on the goals you set a few weeks ago.

I applaud the tiny percent of you who can create a goal or two that is both doable and sticky enough to not slip off your to-do list.

According to a 2016 study, only 41% of Americans set a New Year’s resolution, and by year’s end, only 9% could declare success. So, it will come as no surprise that in 2019 the most frequent resolutions involved more exercise, losing weight, eating better, and saving money. There is hardly any change from one year to the next on that list.

Why is it so difficult? I believe we miss our mark because we are the target of our resolutions. We aim to fix or change something about ourselves, which in the end is too hard, too time-consuming, and just plain dull. We seldom share our resolutions with anyone just in case we aren’t successful, so no one knows we failed but us. It’s just not fun.

Make Resolutions More About Us, Less About Me

Let’s try something different this year and make resolutions that include family. What better way to create support and accountability? Start with questions and include family as you gather the answers.

Here are a few examples of questions I like:

• What small steps could you take this year to change the world for tomorrow?
• How can you share the experience of giving with your family?
• How can you include family in volunteer activities?
• Who do you most want to have conversations about giving with, and how do you start?
• What actions could you take this year to better prepare your family for unexpected changes?
• How can we have a family vacation that includes helping others?
• Now add as many questions as you like.

The next step is to gather answers. Again, remember to include family in discussions and planning.

Check out these 6 articles for ideas to answer the questions:

1. Small steps toward change
2. Family giving traditions
3. Volunteer with family
4. Family conversations
5. Unexpected Changes
6. Generous Family Vacations

Take the Next Step Now

Thinking, planning, even discussing with others can be the easiest part. Don’t stop there. Pick at least one thing and do it.

Outline your next steps and share them with others. Then, using their input, make a plan. Remember the part about creating support and accountability? You’ve just increased the odds of follow-through because you have a support system ready to help keep the plan on track.

I’d love to hear what you plan to do this year. I can be one more partner for support and accountability.

So, what am I doing this year? I resolve to give every month. You can see the article I wrote for the Tyler Morning Telegraph to learn about my plan. Give Well All Year Long

What will you do?

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