Eric Schaeffer
Theater director

Eric Schaeffer

Co-founder and artistic director for Signature Theatre in Arlington, which won the 2009 Regional Theatre Tony Award for sustained artistic excellence.

 ALL POSTS

Not for me

Q: Why do most people abandon their New Year's resolutions so quickly? How much of a role does goal-setting play in achieving success? What are the most effective resolutions you have made?

I always think this time of year is funny when everyone starts making resolutions for the new year. I never have.

Well, I think a while back I did and never kept any of them, so it was the first and last time that ever occurred. Maybe the whole idea works for some people. I have found that my world changes so quickly that setting new goals for each project keeps things fresh and vibrant in my thinking. Sticking to a checklist to see if you achieved anything 12 months later can be defeating when nothing was checked off.

I think the most successful resolutions are being open and ready for change on a daily basis. It's being not reactive but proactive on situations and goals. Whenever anyone gets in reactive mode, the creativity goes out the window. By trying to stay in front of the curve and thinking ahead makes one ready for any challenges that may lie ahead.

I always find the best goal is to evaluate one's goals constantly and to change with the times.

Too many people get stuck into a routine. As I say at the office: No ruts and no routines. It keeps it creative. It keeps you thinking in new ways and opens you up to growth in the work force. I always thought rules were made to be broken, or at least bent.

That's the best resolution I give myself. You can't be just another person in a line -- you need to reach to the head of the line and lead the charge.

By Eric Schaeffer  |  December 31, 2009; 1:20 AM ET  | Category:  resolutions Save & Share:  Send E-mail   Facebook   Twitter   Digg   Yahoo Buzz   Del.icio.us   StumbleUpon   Technorati  
Previous: Real resolutions | Next: Maybe the moon

The comments to this entry are closed.

 
RSS Feed
Subscribe to The Post

© 2010 The Washington Post Company