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Instead of New Year's Resolutions, have Resolve instead

By
Real Estate Agent with The Virtual Real Estate Team 104556

I read a statistic that only 8% of all New Year's resolutions are kept, so whether it is to lose weight, stop drinking, be more organized, be kinder to animals, or whatever it just doesn't stick. So let's go through a few reasons why they don't work, and what could be better for us to do.

The Timing: When do people creat these resolutions? I would say at the last minute, or after a massive hangover. By New Years Day it is either too late or it is based on past issues, and often out of guilt for not dealing with the problems in a significant and comphrehensive way.

It's too isolated from the flow: Having a plan is not a short term thing and change should be tethered to a bigger picture of how you see your life evolving physically, psychologically, and spirtually. Touching all components for the future is where change is made and promises kept.

Short Term versus long term: Do people every make a resolution that says, I will do this change for the next 20 years? I would say close to never. When I was 30 I knew that I had so many bad habits which I will not recount all of them here, that if I did not change I would not live to see 50, it was that bad. I resolved to be 50 and healthy, so next year for instance I will celebrate 40 years without a cigarette or a soft drink. As I turn 70 next year I have a new 30 year plan to celebrate my 100th birthday by skydiving, hiking, running a marathon, or just meditating in Bali. I have a lot to do in those 30 years to achieve my goal, and I plan on acheiving my goal.

Tony Robbins said it best: "Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach". To be committed you need to be all in. When the founding fathers resolved to create a more perfect union, it wasn't just words, it was a committment. I know that unexpected events may change how I approach the next 30 years of my plan, but I am committed to the goal, and I also resolve to adapt to changing circumstances. I don't believe in a lot but I believe in change as the one thing I can depend on. Can I fall off the wagon? Sure I can but with a resolution that would be easy, but with long term planning that started at 30 I will not be the one to stop me. FYI, I plan to send out invitations. Hope you can join me on mine, and I will join you on yours.

 

Comments (35)

Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Joe... great post and congratulations on the feature. It really is all about resolve at the end of the day. I'm right behind you in age and I'd like to say I'll be there to wish you a happy 100th birthday, but don't know yet that I've resolved to be around that long! 

Jan 04, 2017 05:29 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Create and implement plans rather than intentions when it comes to life. More things happen with a plan.

Jan 04, 2017 05:53 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I did the skydiving thing four years ago ... I highly recommend it.  Not sure I would at age 100.  

As for being "all in" ... yes.  We cannot get what we want if we are only willing top dip our toes in the water.  

Jan 04, 2017 03:20 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I hope you are having an outstanding week. Make this your best ever January.

Jan 04, 2017 04:51 PM
Eva B. Liland Century 21 Doug Anderson
Century 21 Doug Anderson - Lancaster, CA
Glad to be of Service 661-714-1643

I stopped doing resolutions long time ago, now I prefer as you call it, to resolve whatever I come across which is a much better approach!

Jan 06, 2017 03:35 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

                               Thank you Joe Pryor 

Jan 07, 2017 05:51 PM
Beth and Richard Witt
New York, NY
The best Retired Brokers !!!!

Love this and thanks to Kathy I didn't miss it... I love the fact that you are 70 and have a 30 year goal... I am 77 and my goal is to reach 100 and blow each and every candles out with not help needed... God bless and have a great day 

Jan 08, 2017 05:15 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Joe. Don't know about running a marathon at 100 since I could not do it at 20, but at my age living to 100 is something I could be resolved to do providing I am in reasonably good health! Enjoy your journey!

Jan 08, 2017 06:14 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Joe,

So glad this post was featured and I had missed it, but thanks to Kathy Streib I had to the pleasure to read it.  We are aligned with you, and wish you continued success.  A

Jan 08, 2017 07:28 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I've never been a believer or a maker of resolutions. I do however believe strongly in resolve! Congrats on a well deserved feature!

Jan 08, 2017 07:45 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Love your post, and love your realism to life.

I know that unexpected events may change how I approach the next 30 years of my plan, but I am committed to the goal, and I also resolve to adapt to changing circumstances. I don't believe in a lot but I believe in change as the one thing I can depend on.

Those are some big things to celebrate 100, sure that looking forward to those will bring energy and drive to your life every day.

Jan 08, 2017 08:08 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I can see why Kathy chose to high light this post!  Well done!

Jan 08, 2017 09:19 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hi, Joe!   I included this post in today's Last Week's Favorites.  Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Jan 08, 2017 10:25 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Here's to "resolve" !!! Great post Joe Pryor !! Though, I'm not one to jump out of planes, I applaud you! Congrats on the features!

Jan 08, 2017 10:37 AM
Johanna Roy
BRIX Real Estate - Saint Paul, MN
The Name Friends Recommend

I agree I no longer set resolutions as I feel it's a set up for failure. Instead I set life goals, to work on myself each and everyday so that I become a better person than I was yesterday. Becoming "ones best self" is a daily motivator. 

Jan 10, 2017 07:36 AM
Eva B. Liland Century 21 Doug Anderson
Century 21 Doug Anderson - Lancaster, CA
Glad to be of Service 661-714-1643

" Becoming "ones best self" is a daily motivator. " Johanna Roy I could not have said it better myself!

Jan 10, 2017 07:39 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

 "Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach".  Perfect!  Thanks for this post, Joe!

Jan 18, 2017 10:01 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Joe Pryor "Tony Robbins said it best: "Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach"."

Right on target - and - re-blog!

Dec 22, 2017 05:49 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Joe Pryor I stopped making New Year's resolutions long ago....I stay the course now and maintain my physical condition...

Dec 22, 2017 06:38 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Joe -- I love that Tony Robbins' line. People tend to set too many/too big short term goals, and not large enough long-term ones -- you have your priorities right.

Dec 22, 2017 07:43 AM