From intentions to actions Building resolutions that last

From intentions to actions Building resolutions that last

From intentions to actions Building resolutions that last

2026-01-20 17:22:31



From Intentions to Actions Building Resolutions that Last

As I reflect on my own New Year's resolutions, I am reminded of the importance of turning intentions into intentional action. It's not just about setting goals, but about taking concrete steps towards achieving them.

Like many others, I set personal and professional goals for the year. One of my priorities is to give back to my firm, P&A Grant Thornton, by mentoring more staff members in-person. I believe that face-to-face interactions create an environment where individuals feel valued. Additionally, I aim to remain active in my professional and business organizations, seeing this as an opportunity to make a positive impact on both my mentees and the firm.

Overcoming the Challenges of Staying True to Resolutions

However, staying true to our resolutions can be challenging, especially when faced with temptations or feeling stressed and pressured to commit. According to a 2024 Forbes Health Survey, only 8 percent of respondents reported keeping their resolutions for more than three months.

The Power of Setting Clear Priorities

For me, setting clear priorities is crucial in fulfilling my resolutions. I make sure to dedicate time to every important aspect of my life – career, family, and community-building activities. This allows me to stay focused on what truly matters and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Acknowledging the Reasons Why Resolutions Fail

It's essential to acknowledge the reasons why new year resolutions fail. Sometimes, the problem lies within us, and we don't realize it. Staying in our comfort zones and falling back into bad habits are common reasons why resolutions don't succeed. Reflecting on our behaviors and habits helps us learn and unlearn.

The Role of Reflection and Honesty

Setting goals is a challenge for ourselves. But it's tough to sustain resolutions when we put pressure on ourselves at the slightest failure. Resolutions driven by social comparison or trends are even harder to maintain, especially if they don't align with our personal values. To overcome these challenges, reflection and honesty are key.

The Power of Prayer and Support

When faced with uncertainty, prayer can be a powerful tool in guiding us towards our goals. Sharing our resolutions with people who understand and support us can also be beneficial. Having someone to encourage and follow up on our progress keeps us accountable for our resolutions.

The Importance of a Clear Plan

A clear plan is essential for achieving our goals. Be specific about what you want to achieve, and take time to understand why it matters to you. For example, instead of resolving to become fit, ask yourself What's driving this? Is it to improve your appearance or to have a stronger and healthier body so you can better support your family?

The Power of Consistency and Tracking Progress

A clear plan is only the first step. Consistency and tracking progress are also crucial. Break down the steps you need to take, outline how you'll accomplish them, and create a realistic schedule. Remember building small habits makes big changes.

Conclusion

As we embark on this new year, I encourage you to take intentional action towards achieving your resolutions. Remember that setting clear priorities, acknowledging the reasons why resolutions fail, and tracking progress are all crucial steps in making meaningful changes in our lives. And most importantly, don't be too hard on yourself when you stumble – every day is an opportunity to start anew.

About the Author

Mailene Sigue-Bisnar is a partner for the Advisory Services practice area and Brand and Communications and Business Development leader at P&A Grant Thornton.

Keywords New Year resolutions, goal-setting, personal growth, professional development, self-improvement.


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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

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