Re:solutions

A guide for getting things done for a happy New Year

For as long as I’ve been married, my wife adopts little sayings at the beginning of the new year. Notable ones include ‘Water off a duck’s back’, or ‘It’s not rocket science’. She uses them as a kind of mantra for personal motivation. It’s a trait handed on from her Dad. Now she’s handing them onto our kids. ‘Cheer on others’ was last year’s slogan, gifted to my 6yo daughter learning to share the spotlight with others.

It seems to be a ritual many of us enjoy—starting fresh and taking up new ideas, habits and goals. NYE provides us with 52 weeks stretched out to make good on our aspirations.

During the first few days of 2020 I witnessed a high number of reflective posts on social media. People and brands I follow resolved to accomplish one or more things. I liked many of them. Some were ridiculous. Many of you couldn’t wait to see the back of 2019. I admit, watching it play out was pretty good sport.

People sit in two camps with resolutions:

• Those who want to do things better
• Those who want to try new things

I don’t doubt there are folks who want both. You know who you are.

Look back and it’s easy to identify areas for improvement — Be a fun parent. Stop cussing. Get to the gym. Organise the home. Keep receipts. Knock over debt. Remember birthdays. Reuse shopping bags. Improve posture. Floss (your teeth). Watch less. Read more—It’s a busy and endless agenda.

These vows are short term by nature and face us day in, day out. Sticking to them requires a high degree of discipline. Eventually they are transformed into tasks, then lists, with reminders. Come February these resolutions can gather dust as our mental availability shrinks.

My annual trap is biting off more than I can chew. With fire in the belly I will launch multiple projects. It’s off to a promising start and it looks like the new regime will stick. But after time, often for no reason at all, the whole thing fizzes out and I’m back to square one. In my wake I leave behind half-finished jobs, mistreated systems and unused apps.

Do you remember your resolutions from last year? If so, did you check any of them off? If yes to both, bravo! Well played. Please share your winning ways.

For the rest of us, I’m offering a simple plan on how to see your resolutions through. Take it or leave it. Through trial and error I’ve found this to be useful in my personal and professional life thus far.

:: Five Step Resolution Plan ::

1. Write them down
   It sounds simple because it is. Having your resolutions in front of you every day reminds you of your goals. Put them in your diary, on your wallpaper, in lipstick on a mirror, on post-its, make a bullet journal. Whatever works, You do you.
2. Break them down
   This is handy if you have a large goal. Identify the smaller actions and bundle them into groups, like chapters in a book. By doing this you won’t be looking at the same mountain every day, but instead scaling small sections, one at a time.
3. Make a plan
   What actions are you carrying out each day, during the week to fulfil your objectives? Keep the number of steps to a minimum. Too many steps in one sequence can hinder repetition and rhythm, which is precisely what’s needed to move forward.
4. Communicate your plan
   Not in the ‘Wow look at me, how great am I’ sort of way. I mean, tell some people close to you what you intend to do. Hopefully your ‘goal guardians’ will keep you accountable and gently remind you of your plan when you’re beginning to slouch or binge on Netflix.
5. Do, and repeat
   Some progress beats no progress. Keep at your plan. If necessary, tweak your routine to suit your circumstances. Try to keep your goals unchanged. You made them for a reason, remember?

And that’s it. There’s no science or witchcraft behind this plan. Good ol’ fashioned hard work and stamina can see your goals become reality. I’m not saying it’s easy, but be honest with yourself and others and things will begin to change. Instead of a whole bunch maybe just start with one resolution and see what happens.

If you’re daring to try something new and transform your prospects then good luck. I truly hope you have a plan and fulfil your resolutions in 2020.

This year I plan to write.

I like the idea of sharing insights and reflections. Just like this. I also believe easy-to-follow actions that accompany words make for worthwhile reading.

As a designer I’ve spent the past decade helping businesses of all shapes and sizes with their brands. I’ve learned valuable skills along the way. Design is a transformative tool and I want to show how it can be used to improve communication and have meaningful influence.

If you’re in business or design or you’re just curious (so basically anyone), please enjoy the contents of this space. Follow me or disagree. It’s all good. At the very least you’ll gain some high-level thinking with real-world views.

Truth — You’re reading my 5th attempt at this post. This writing caper is hard work and at the moment I’m a fish out of water. Through my own advice I hope to improve. Part of the process is accepting the imperfections and being ok with vulnerability.

So here goes.

For the record, my wife must be onto something with her personal mottos. She’s overcome many hurdles and achieved much of what she has begun. It works for her (and my daughter). Find what works for you.

My jam is collecting quotes and phrases— from famous people and normal people, lyrics, books, movies and podcasts. I use Google Keep to store them on my devices for quick access. It’s good fun.

Take this one for the road:

‘Self improvement has always been a hobby of mine. Bring on the swear jar!’

— Homer Simpson

Here’s to 2020 and the beginning of all things new.

Till next time,
Dan