Resolutions. Even the word sounds daunting and commanding. Or more like bossy, right? ResolUtion. See that big U in there? A coincidence? I think not. Which is why so many of us hate resolutions. You are the center of that resolution. You are the creator, you are the implementer, BUT you are also the beneficiary. There may be some residual or collateral goodness that befalls those in your circle, should you resolve to fulfill your resolution, but the primary benefit is to you and you alone.
Likewise, it is only you who suffers if your resolution is not fulfilled. And there in lies the rub. I think most are more forgiving to others who disappoint us. It’s easier. We’re almost used to it. We can chalk up their wrong doings or thoughtlessness to their nature, or their upbringing, or their busy schedule. But when faced with disappointment from OURSELVES….how could we?
How could we let ourselves down…again? Don’t we know better? Weren’t we raised better? Don’t we CARE? Of course we do. Which is precisely why a lot of us, and when I say ‘us’ I mean me, don’t make New Year’s resolutions any more. I have a plethora of disappointments in my life from all sorts of places. Why on earth would I add myself to the list? I have failed at my resolutions my whole life, so I’M OUT! And let’s face it, I can disappoint myself daily. Why do I need to make a declaration to the world of my impending new failure. It’s just silly.
But in all seriousness, goal setting is good. It’s an incredible habit and tool for all of us to incent ourselves to make changes. I think the problem with New Year’s resolutions is that they are too big. It’s just too big of a declaration. I’m going to lose 50 lbs in 2018! I’m going to start that business that I’ve always wanted to start in 2018!
Let’s take 01/01/year? – 12/31/year? off the table. Don’t pressure yourself to start moving toward your goals on January 1 in the mad dash to get it all put to bed by December 31. It’s just too much. Here’s a crazy idea. You can start working toward your goal on March 8. And you know what’s even crazier about starting a goal on March 8, 2018? It’s a THURSDAY!!! I KNOW! (If you suffer from OCD, I suggest slow, controlled breaths in a paper bag.)
My point is, don’ t beat yourself up for not creating a New Year’s resolution. Don’t beat yourself up for finally realizing that you are not good at keeping your resolutions. The truth is, we can work toward our goals every single moment of every single day by the choices we make. Does eating this cookie get me closer to my ultimate goal? Does watching this tv show instead of cleaning out my closet get me closer? Does going shopping instead of spending 30 minutes researching get me closer? These are the choices I’m talking about. So I say, forget New Year’s resolutions. But I challenge you to look at your goals in terms of a lifetime and take a step in the right direction every chance you get. Even if it’s a Thursday.
I’ve learned two things that I choose to do instead of New Year’s Resolutions.
1. Pray for God to put a word on my heart for the year. I find that by clinging to a word, I find power that I don’t know I have. Several years ago that word was Simplify. Wow. I let go of a lot of unnecessary clutter and committees. The next year was Bold. That year, I entered a dance competition, I had a background ‘extra’ role in a Hallmark Christmas movie, and I launched the first draft of my book. All in the last 4 months of that year.
2. Give each day to God. I can have a plan, but He has the best plan. I am unable to choose to exercise everyday and eat right. But when I start my day with Him, I’m empowered to be who HE wants me to be. And that’s sooo much better than any New Year’s Resolution. NYE is only one day, and quickly in the past. But God is with us only in the ‘present’. So I choose to lean into Him, each moment, and find I reach all my dreams, through this one simple effort.
That’s my thought on New Year’s Resolutions. Pick a word, and lean into your Higher Power.
Beth, thank you for continuing to follow and read!!!
I love your New Year’s plan! Thank you for sharing. I also have committed to a word this year. Mine is Joy. 🙂
And I MUST know what Hallmark Christmas movie you were in!!! I LOVE them!!!!
Hi Jennifer, Thanks! Excited to hear how the word “JOY” will impact your day and your year. The Hallmark movie was filmed here in Lebanon, OH. “The Spirit of Christmas”. I’m in 2
church scenes and my logo design for a dress shop, ‘A Step a Thread’, had more film footage than either of my roles. LOL.
I LOVE it!! I’m going to see if the Hallmark movie is still available on demand. I will watch with new purpose. 🙂 Stay tuned on my joyful journey. I’m sure to share. Thanks so much for staying on touch. xoxox
Do I hear an Amen sister! AMEN 🙏
I have learned that the long term goal or resolution became too big! So it didn’t last. God has given us only now to truly embrace. So now is when I take the action or not. Being retired has been such a blessing to actually just be and has given me better ears to hear God! So what do I do Now to be the best me ? What do I do Now to make this world a better place?
And sometimes It is just stop and enjoy what you are ,have, and are dreaming of NOW.
Love that, Barbara!