Aké Satia is the Chief Vision Officer at Aké Satia, a Human Capital firm in the DC area focused on strengthening organizations by bolstering the intersection of people strategy and business strategy.

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A Year to Realize a Dream!

Last week, we explored a timely and relevant topic! – Charting your course for the future.
And to start, we explored the realm of goal setting! Specifically, setting goals based on true intentions and reality, not arbitrary aspirations. – You may read more here: Charting Your Course for the Future – BLOG – www.akesatia.com

Today, it is a new year, 2023! And you might have set an intention or goal for the new year, which you think of as what you intend to leave behind in 2022 and what you want to accomplish in 2023. Now, the lingering question is: What will it take to achieve your goals? Notably, setting new year’s resolutions is a long-standing tradition, dating back to the ancient Babylonians some 4000 years ago! https://www.history.com/news/the-history-of-new-years-resolutions

And the tradition is alive and well today! Indeed, according to a global survey by the health and wellness company Medifast, in 2022, 44% of U.S. adults planned to set a resolution! And as you might imagine, as is the case in most years, many did not keep their new year resolutions. Why? You might ask. Well, here are the top two reasons: Loss of motivation (48%) and not having a plan (30%). Less than Half of U.S. Adults Plan on Setting 2022 New Year’s Resolutions | Markets Insider (businessinsider.com)

And for kicks: On average, do you know what percentage of people keep their new year resolutions? Spoiler alert! It is not high! And in academic institutions, it would be considered a failing grade! – 9%! Yes. You read that right! 9% of people successfully keep their New Year’s resolutions!
19 Mind-Blowing New Year’s Resolution Statistics (2023) (insideoutmastery.com) 

Plan to Stay on the Bandwagon!

After recovering from the shock of that low statistic, it may be worth contemplating what leads so many to fall off the bandwagon!
First, if you are a go-getter who decided to join the New Year resolution train this year, here is the good news: You are already halfway there! Because achievement often starts with making a goal. And having a robust plan enables us to achieve our goal.
Therefore, as we endeavor to make 2023 one of the most memorable years personally and professionally, it is beneficial to explore the path of planning!

First, let me share a secret that is not so secret. Now, once you read this, you may question my credibility in exploring this topic! Or, if you are curious and are a broad thinker, my admission will flow through your mind like water off a duck’s back. 😉 As I shared last week, in my 20s, I always set New Year’s resolutions. And a few of those endeavors were successful. However, as I discovered what motivates me, my newfound knowledge steered me from setting new year’s resolutions. Instead, I choose to set goals when I believe they are warranted, regardless of the time of year. And that requires one to be nimble.

Less haste, more speed!

For example, a few years ago, after months of physical therapy, on a September morning, my physical therapist and I agreed that I was ready to transition to an at-home physical therapy regimen. – This was very exciting for me! And when he informed me of the news, I felt like a kid whose dad told her that she was ready to go on bike rides without her training wheels!

To give me a great chance of thriving outside the “physical therapy nest”, my physical therapist developed a robust training regimen. And I have remained committed to the plan. However, I struggled to be patient and steadfast in the beginning. In fact, after the first week of the regimen, I doubted its effectiveness and tried to amend it. i.e., I investigated different Multiple Sclerosis therapies. And I was grossly disappointed when every institution but one informed me that pursuing other options outside my muscle-strengthening regimen could do more harm than good in the long run. Because although those options would offer quick relief, they would also become a crutch. After discussing it with others and much thought, I chose to stay the course and forge ahead with my muscle-strengthening regimen. – A worthwhile decision!

And this is key because today, with prolific and rapid technological advancements, as a society, we are hooked on quick fixes. – These are often temporary solutions that masquerade as the real thing. Also, in our desire for speed, we are hasty. But often, achieving a worthy goal takes time and requires patience. 

Notably, while I do not make new year’s resolutions, I do not think setting goals at the beginning of a new year is an inherently poor idea or always futile. Because for many, starting a new year with resolutions is very motivating. And in that case, new year’s resolutions may be worthwhile.
However, it is also valuable to remember that achieving a goal often requires planning and staying the course. And this pertains to new year’s resolutions and goals we set at any time.


REFLECT AND IMAGINE

Most of us set goals often throughout our lives. But sticking to a plan can be incredibly challenging. – What can facilitate the journey?

Share. When you set a goal for 2023, in whom can you confide? A friend, a mentor, or a colleague? Consider sharing your goal and asking for support.
And it is worth remembering that we can achieve a lot individually, but attaining greatness requires others.

Happy New Year, 2023!
May this be a year when you dream with abandon, set worthy goals, and successfully implement your plan.

For you and to you,
Aké

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