Dear 2013: Welcome. I’ve been waiting for you and am so excited about the possibilities you may bring to me. This is the year that I will finally make a change and …
Sound familiar? If you’re anything like I am, the start of each New Year begins with a promise – a vow to make a change – a vow to finally accomplish that goal that’s within reach. And if you’re also like I am, the year likely ends with that resolution sitting off to the side, collecting dust until the next New Year. Gone, but not forgotten. We aren’t alone – it turns out that fewer than half of us keep our resolutions for longer than six months.
There are literally millions of stories posted online about how to successfully keep a resolution. As I started reading some articles, I realized that I am surrounded by real-life examples of success every day. The past few years I’ve had the privilege of working on our Westwood success stories initiative (www.westoodcollegesuccess.com). I’ve read hundreds of stories from alumni who resolved to graduate from college and earn a degree to better provide for their families, to do meaningful work, to realize their potential and to follow their dreams.
If your resolution (New Year’s or otherwise) is to become a college graduate, you probably have a lot of questions. Check out this Your Questions Answered video series that shares advice from some of the above-mentioned alumni. Sometimes the best way to learn is from those who have already been where you are now. This video will let you get answers to your questions directly from graduates who are now working in their fields. Topics include these categories and more:
Through hope, patience, determination and perseverance, these alumni all achieved the same goal – they took control of their future and changed their lives for the better. Today, they are role models, parents, managers, technologists, designers, artists, builders, creators, caretakers, business owners, volunteers and leaders.
We make resolutions because we have unmet goals that need to be realized. It doesn’t matter if it’s graduating college, finding a new job, losing weight or being a nicer person. We can meet our goals by having realistic expectations, taking one step at a time and focusing on the end result.
While resolutions are hard to stick to, studies also show those of us who do make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain our goals than those who don’t try. I truly believe the outcome is worth the hard work and perseverance we put into achieving our goals. This year is my year. Will it be yours, too?