Appreciative Resolutions: A Positive Approach to the New Year
As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us embrace the tradition of crafting resolutions—promises we make to ourselves to improve, grow, or change. Often, these resolutions are framed in the negative: “Stop eating so much chocolate,” “Quit procrastinating,” or “Lose those stubborn 10 pounds.” While well-intentioned, these resolutions can sometimes feel like a list of our shortcomings, magnifying what we perceive to be wrong with ourselves. What if we shifted our focus from what we lack to what we want to enhance?
This approach, inspired by principles of Appreciative Inquiry developed by David Cooperrider and Lindsey Godwin, invites us to build on what’s working well, envisioning a future that amplifies our existing strengths rather than focusing solely on deficiencies. By applying this mindset to New Year’s resolutions, we can create intentions that inspire growth, optimism, and motivation.
Transforming Resolutions into Positive Intentions
Rather than starting with what we want to stop or fix, we can ask ourselves:
What aspects of my life am I already doing well?
For example: “I’ve made an effort to stay active, and I want to take that further.”
What strengths do I already possess that I can build upon?
For example: “I’ve consistently prioritized family time, and I want to create even more meaningful moments together.”
What do I want to experience more of in my life?”
For example: “I’d like to create more learning and personal growth opportunities.”
These reflective questions help reframe our goals as opportunities to expand on our life’s positive aspects, making them both achievable and fulfilling.
Examples of Appreciative Resolutions
To illustrate this shift, consider how we might reframe traditional resolutions:
Negative Resolution: “Stop eating so much chocolate.”
Positive Reframe: “Enjoy foods that make me feel energetic and healthy.”
Negative Resolution: “Quit procrastinating.”
Positive Reframe: “Take small, focused actions each day toward my goals.”
Negative Resolution: “Lose weight.”
Positive Reframe: “Focus on moving my body in ways that feel good and support my well-being.”
The Benefits of a Positive Approach
We foster a sense of momentum and possibility when we approach the New Year with a positive mindset. Building on strengths rather than weaknesses helps create motivating and sustainable goals. This strengths-based approach aligns with the idea that what we focus on tends to grow. By emphasizing what’s working well and imagining how we can do more of it, we create a pathway for success.
In the words of David Cooperrider, “What we focus on grows.” Lindsey Godwin’s work further emphasizes the power of building on strengths to create meaningful and lasting change.
Start Your Year with Positive Intentions
This year, instead of making a resolution to fix what you believe is broken, consider crafting a resolution that builds on your strengths and aspirations. Let positivity guide your goals, and watch as your year unfolds with clarity and purpose.
To enhance this message, consider watching this inspiring video on how to create strengths-based goals for the New Year:
Watch Now: Crafting Resolutions with Purpose
So, as you step into this New Year, ask yourself: What’s already going well, and how can I build on it? The answer might just transform not only your resolutions but your entire year.