In any profession, those leading do not embark on an endeavor if there’s a 92% chance of failing. One can’t imagine Eisenhower choosing to go ahead with the Normandy invasion if he and his staff knew they had only an 8% chance of success. And one can’t contemplate NASA, and the engineers behind the Apollo program, sending men into space if they knew there was a 92% chance of catastrophic failure. To increase the odds of success in these, and every endeavor, the odds of success were increased through planning and by having objectives.
Increasing the Odds: Planning + Objectives
In both examples above, the odds of success were increased through two specific actions: detailed planning and established objectives. These two ingredients are all that’s necessary for changing a resolution from having a slight chance of success, to a fact. Yet apparently most people don’t invest the time at the front end to plan how they’ll achieve their resolutions, accepting failure as the default mode. Not good.
To make your resolution’s a foregone conclusion:
1. Define Your Resolution in 8-Words or Less. Being general about your resolution isn’t good enough. You need to be clear about what it is you seek and state this concisely. I suggest distilling this down to 8 words or less as this cuts out all fluff.
2. Apply the S.M.A.R.T. Rules of Engagement to Define Your Resolution. Make your resolutions Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound. Talking about any goal in general terms or picking one that is completely unachievable is the quickest way to failure. Ensure you apply each specific step of this acronym to your resolution concept, and answer each step honestly.
3. Commit Your Resolution to Writing. Re-write your resolution statement and the answers to S.M.A.R.T. in a notebook or on a piece of paper you carry with you constantly. The fact of carrying the words with you every place you go serves as a reminder that you have an objective that must be achieved. Even if you don’t look at the writing every day and see only the paper, you will be reminded that you’re embarked on a mission. Eventually, the resolution statement and details become lodged in your sub-conscious where the real work gets done…and the internal motivation is stoked.
Resolutions are supposed to be firm decisions to do something. If this is the case, then make a firm decision by planning it and going after objectives. Anything less isn’t worth your time and shouldn’t be labeled a “resolution”. Call it a “vague idea”
“You may be whatever you resolve to be.” Thomas Stonewall Jackson
Christian Knutson, P.E., PMP is a leader, civil engineer, and author. He’s an accomplished professional specializing in A/E/C work internationally and author of The Engineer Leader, a recognized blog on leadership and life success for engineers and professionals.