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This is a follow up to the prior article, Ways To Stick To Resolutions You Make, which was about what a resolution is and the methods that a person can apply to stay focused on accomplishing one or more resolutions. On the other hand, this post looks at the resolution from another angle by identifying common pitfalls that cause resolutions to fail. It is often said that if you know and understand your enemy, then you are better positioned to defend against that enemy because you can anticipate its deadly blows.
A quick summary of the common pitfalls that cause a resolution to come to utter failure are below. More details on them will then follow immediately with recommendations on how to counter-attack them.
Common Pitfalls
- Re-thinking the initial motivation behind the resolution
- Thinking it’s no longer worth the effort
- More urgent problems seemingly beings to pile up
- A Lack of discipline; succumbing to lethargy
- Seeing others fail
- Negative reinforcements/ listening to naysayers
Pitfall 1: Rethinking the Initial Motivation
Rethinking the initial motivation behind a resolution usually comes about when the initial excitement has waned and reality has begun to set in. Typically emotions tend to compel people to make life-changing decisions, but those same emotions may not be sufficient to sustain them.
The Counter-Attack: This is usually where willpower should come in.
Pitfall 2: Thinking it’s No Longer worth the Effort
Thinking the resolution is no longer worth the effort occurs when a person begins to lose sight of the original reason why the resolution (or resolutions) was such a good idea what it was made earlier. Also when a person bites off more than they can chew with a resolution, it begins to seem much harder than expected.
The Counter-Attack: It is recommended to write down strong points on why the resolution was worth making. The earlier this is done the better. When this is written down, it can be referred back to later when the original motivation is questioned. Don’t bite off more than you can chew (or run before you can walk). Set realistic expectations, start small, and build up. Tell yourself everyday why it is a good idea.
Pitfall 3: More Urgent Problems Seemingly Begin to Pile Up
Right when you were beginning to make more progress, the worries of life start sucking away at whatever energy you have, including the energy that keeps you focused on accomplishing a resolution.
The Counter-Attack: Re-evaluate all responsibilities, prioritize them accordingly, weed out the unnecessary ones, and muster your multitasking ability.
Pitfall 4: Lack of Discipline/ Lethargy
Lack of discipline is another reason why resolutions fail. Its lack causes an inability to follow through. With resolutions, lack of discipline perpetuates laziness on the part of the individual, which leads to procrastination, and then ultimately the death of the resolution.
The Counter-Attack: Develop the discipline necessary to achieve success. Exercise control of situations, and restraint against urges or temptations.
Pitfall 5: Seeing Others Fail
One of the ways to be successful with a resolution is to find others with the same goal as yourself. However, a resolution gets tougher to maintain when the people that formed your core support group begin to falter. It is demoralizing. It subconsciously forces you to question yourself.
The Counter-Attack: If you are close to such a person, try to motivate them to continue as your own continuance may be unfortunately linked to theirs.
Pitfall 6: Negative reinforcements/ Listening to Nay-Sayers
The fulfillment of a resolution is like the end result of a dream that you want to see come true. Everyone knows what is said about dream makers and dream killers. Don’t let others destroy or snatch your motivation away from you.
The Counter-Attack: For one, stop listening to such people and filter them out. Keep your motivations to yourself, or find other positive people to surround yourself with.
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