Another “New Year Resolution”? (Part Two)

So based on the two first methods we discussed previously (80/20 and Wheel of Life), we could spot our 2025 "annoyances". Sometimes the best resolution isn't adding a new habit, but removing a recurring frustration. 

If that approach doesn’t do it for you, there’s that good old filter for "Identity" over "Outcomes". What I mean by that is instead of choosing a goal based on what you want to get, choose a resolution based on who you want to be. For instance, instead of saying "I want to write a book," choose "I am the type of person who writes every morning." 

 Once a method is picked, there are also some rules to follow, for instance “The rule of one” which addresses the fact that most people fail because they try to change five things at once. Instead, we must select just one habit that, if changed, makes everything else easier (e.g., waking up earlier often improves fitness, productivity, and mood simultaneously).

There’s also the "Two-Minute Rule" that requires that whatever we choose, we must ensure that starting it up won’t take less than two minutes. Deciding is also the act of cutting off other options. To make a resolution "real," we need to define the where, when, and how. 

Something called the "If/Then" formula, using the framework: "If [Situation], then I will [Action]." For example: "If it is 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, then I will drive straight to the gym before going home." 

Another good trick is to make sure our environment cooperates and helps us gain the desired habit. A good illustration is that if we want to eat less sugar, we must decide now to remove it from the house. For some of us, it might also help to get some accountability. Some people thrive on "Social Stakes" (telling friends), while others prefer "Quiet Progress" to avoid the premature hit of dopamine from just talking about the goal. 

Now that you know everything, I give you one week to come up with a sound new year resolution. Let’s do it?