Commitment is a firm dedication or pledge to a cause, person, task, or goal. It involves being resolute and maintaining perseverance, even in the face of challenges or difficulties. Commitment is about consistently taking actions and making decisions that align with the dedication and promise made.	Resolution – A promise or pledge made by an individual to achieve a specific goal or change behavior

I am a goal setter in both my professional and personal life. Every year around this time, I set goals alone and with my kids. I used to follow this guidebook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/content/pdf/children-and-youth/PD60008890_youth-eng.pdf) for my kids’ goals, but now I simply use paper and insert it into their journals, if they can find them.

I no longer call them New Year’s resolutions; I refer to them as commitments, which are more connected to my integrity. Reflecting on my 2024 goals, I’ve realized I can improve on executing and delivering them.

This year, I’m inspired by an insight from a Mel Robbins podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm6oJwpuOYc). My wife introduced me to the podcast, and I’ve become a subscriber. It features various experts to help improve your life. Interestingly, the concept of taking an inventory of the “as is” to make future decisions aligns with my professional practice of assessing current and future state architectures.

Mel Robbins suggests asking seven critical questions to guide your goal-setting process:

1. Describe the highlights of the last year. 
2. What were some of the hardest parts of the year?  
3. What did you learn about yourself over the last 12 months? for the year? Look at both the high and lows.
4. What are you going to stop doing?  
5. What are you going to start doing?
6. What are you continuing doing?  
7. What can you do today to take a first step  in the new direction?

By reflecting on these questions, you’ll ensure your goals for 2025 are informed by the lessons learned in 2024. 

Here are additional thoughts on 4 of the 7 questions.

Describe the highlights of the last year.	Leverage camera roll to help you rememberLeverage any monthly updates for leadership.
What were some of the hardest parts of the year?	It is ok to upset or sad about itHardest things can also be a highlight
What did you learn about yourself over the last 12 months? Look at both the high and lows.	What brought you lots of happiness joy and felt good?What broke your heart? What made you scared? Is something causing you friction or frustration in your work or relationship?   What changes need to be done?  If there is too much friction or frustration, as tough as it may sound, you may not be in the right relationship, role, or in the “wrong seat in the bus.”
What are you going to stop doing?	This takes courage to say “no.”

This year, I’m doing monthly reviews of my personal goals and completing at least one task per week that contributes to achieving them. This keeps my goals in front of me and helps me stay on track. If you’re interested in sharing insights, feel free to direct message me for a call.

I’ll also write a separate post on how to complete current and future state architectures.

Happy New Year! I hope 2025 will be the best year yet for you and your loved ones.