Changing New Year's Resolutions to New Year's Projects

A day after New Year's day, we will start renovation on our new home - though I am not sure if I can call it "renovation" since we haven't moved in yet. In three months, we will finally leave our sweet and small abode, the apartment which served us for six years. What a fitting way to start 2012. 

Perhaps even if not at the start, wouldn't it be nice for each year to be marked by a milestone, a big or small step from one point to another, towards something our hearts always desire?

And then there are new year's resolutions. I will be honest, I started listing down my resolutions every 31st of December since I was 12. On an estimate, only 2% of my total goals were achieved - thus my last list was in 2002.

MY 2012 IN PROJECT NAMES

A 2007 research by Quirkology.Com found that in a random population of 3000 people who listed their new year's resolutions, only 52% of them were confident that they will achieve their goals. As it turns out, only 12% were fulfilled their resolutions.

I guess I belong to the majority. It can be the term itself, New Year's Resolution is now a familiar but dubious expression -- fleeting promises that last only a month or even shorter. It has become like Christmas, an occasion that has lost its wonderful significance in the frantic barrage of gift-buying, shopping, parties, and holiday vacations.

So instead of chronic resolutions, I'm aiming at projects. Projects that will define my 2012. After all, the word project sounds more measurable and attainable doesn't it?

According to the book The Definitive Guide to Project Management, "Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing, securing, and managing resources to achieve specific goals. The primary challenge of project management is to achieve all of the project goals and objectives while honoring the preconceived constraints."

The key word is discipline - it all starts there. Project Management, if applied on a personal level, will involve five critical processes:

1. Design and Plan - Write the goals and objectives and put the required tasks on a timeline.
2. Execute - Start, initiate, commence. Tomorrow? Why not today?
3. Monitor - Ensure that goals are not flashes in the pan by checking their status and making the necessary interventions to avoid delays.
4. Measure Success - It's not all about the money. If the goal is to overcome impatience, check yourself if you'll pass the next boiling-point test and those that are to come.
5. Be Creative in Project Names! This is my personal addition. Let go of self-imposed criticisms and let your mind go on a journey of creative discovery. Name your project with a name that resonates with you, that is totally your own. :)

This 2012, I (will fervently, fervently strive) to let go of glimpses of promises, flashes of wishful hopes, and a plethora of pledges. Defined target, structure and objectives are the rules of the game.

And so here are my 2012 Projects, details of some will be kept confidential :)

1. Project Victory 

• Description: Big word! At 31 I think it's about time for me to get over some immature and callow attitudes that I still have. Plus I need to focus on my favorite 3Ps - patience, productivity and persistence. I also have spiritual goals that need to be revisited and practiced. My primary house, my soul and spirit, needs renovation too!
• Timeline: January - December 2012

2. Project Spark!

• Description: A project en route to my objects of imagination - to write a book manuscript, to illustrate for a book author, and to join two art contests. 
• Timeline:  Book Illustration; January 2012, Manuscript - March 2012; Art Contest - TBA

3. Project Elmo 

• Description: Make a second baby - a boy, an Elmer Junior. :D Need I say more? This project is especially focused on me becoming a better mother to hopefully, two kids soon!
• Timeline: 2nd Quarter of 2012
  

4. Project Overflow

• Description: Not necessarily spilling, but why not? As a full-time mom with home-based work, I aim to increase my earnings so I can help augment the household cash flow and still enjoy the liberty and perks of managing my own time.
• Timeline: January - December 2012

5. Project Go!

• Description: Time to get on a bike! I must admit full-time motherhood has confined my physical activities to the kitchen, living room, and grocery store. Now I must work out and start eating healthier. In 4th quarter of 2011, I stopped drinking coffee and has since then enjoyed drinking tea. Good start for 2012!
• Timeline: January - December 2012

Richard Wisemen from the University of Bristol, in his study on New Year's Resolutions, found that 78% of people who set resolutions fail. "Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting and make measurable goals, while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.^"

Which is exactly why I am sharing this with you.

May gratitude fill our hearts not just every end of year but every day.
May 2012 see the best ever in all of us.
May we all be blessed and fruitful.
May we all see and seek God in all things, because all things work together for the good.
May we all prosper and have the best year ever!

P.S.
They say the world will end on December 21, 2012. I am pretty sure that 10 days after, I will go online to check this article again. I need to know if I do belong in the 10% women success rate category. :) Hope you'll check this too. Until next December 31 then!