Of the tens of millions of people that make New Year’s resolutions, only 8% end up succeeding. Let that surprising (and very unfortunate) statistic sink in for a second.
8% is dismally low. However, the majority of that low success rate does not stem from our lack of willpower. Humans have accomplished some pretty unbelievable things (Man on the Moon, anybody?).
Instead, we fail because we don’t approach resolutions in the right way. Successful resolutions – whether they involve health, fitness, or safe driving habits – share three common characteristics. They are:
- Understandable
- Attainable
- Finite
Not grasping the concept yet? Don’t worry. I’ll show you what I mean. This probably won’t come as a shock, but I’m going to illustrate my point by providing you with some car-related goals any responsible driver could get behind.
Note: This is a guest blog by Bobby Gaglini at Mechanic Advisor.
1. This is the Year I Take Better Care of My Car
Is this understandable?
It’s a little too vague to tackle head on. Let’s add some specifics so we can attack this goal in bite-sized chunks.
- Keep up with my scheduled maintenance (hint: if you’re not sure what “scheduled maintenance” means, read your owner’s manual on a rainy day)
- Get a car wash at a set time or interval (depending on how much you drive)
- Don’t ignore my check engine light (click here to learn why that’s a bad idea)
- Don’t eat in the car, unless I’m really hungry or must due to a super busy day
Is this attainable?
All of these goals are attainable, except for that last one. You never know when the Universe will throw a wrench in your plans for the day. However, if you really want to do something specific (in this case avoid getting food stains on your car seats), make NO exceptions for it. We all know that one exception can lead to many more.
Is this finite?
By finite, I mean is there a hard and fast number that we can attach to this goal? For these examples, not exactly, but we can fix that in a jiffy. If we add some numbers to these mini sub-goals we can make it easier for the mind to understand.
- Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Get oil changed every 5,000 miles, wipers changed every 8 months, brake pads replaced every 15,000 miles, etc.
- Get a car wash every 2 months
- Don’t ignore my check engine light and get it checked within 3 days of appearing
- Don’t eat in the car, PERIOD!
2. This is the Year I Drive Safer
Is this understandable?
Yes, but it still leaves some questions as to the exact ways you will drive safer. Let’s pick a few specifics that you might want to add:
- Always drive the speed limit on all roads
- Come to a complete stop at stop signs
- Check every direction before turning
- Absolutely NO texting and driving
Is this attainable?
Yes, this goal seems pretty attainable and all of the little sub-goals look good. I think we’re set here!
Is this finite?
Here, it doesn’t seem necessary to add numbers to these sub-goals, as they’re already finite.
3. This is the Year I Buy a New Car
Is this understandable?
The main intent is loud and clear! But we can specify it a bit more.
- This is the year I will buy a brand new, 2015 Lexus RS 350 in jet black
Is this attainable?
Maybe. Make sure that this purchase is within your budget. If you don’t think it’s attainable in the near future, think about changing the goal to something like: This is the Year I Buy a Nice Lexus RS 350 under 50,000 miles. In a few years, maybe you’ll be able to go back to your original goal.
Is this finite?
We can definitely add more to this.
- I want to buy a 2015 Lexus RS in jet black by April 1st
- I need (x amount of dollars) before I can do this. Here is how I will attain that money: (list sub-goals to help you achieve this).
Above anything else, it’s critical to remember that these resolutions are yours. If you want them enough, find a way to achieve them. Never lose sight of your goals, and never make up excuses as to why they’re unattainable.
So as you turn the page on 2015 and enter 2016, make sure that all of your New Year’s resolutions are understandable, attainable and finite. But above all, make sure you truly care about these goals. This year, be a part of the elite 8%. Anything can be achieved! You can do it! Click here to educate and empower your Facebook friends.
About the Writer
Bobby Gaglini is the Content Director and Strategist at Mechanic Advisor, a company with the goal of bridging the communication gap between customers and mechanics. Check out some of his other work, along with a robust and free auto shop directory at www.MechanicAdvisor.com.
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