I’ve never really been one to make resolutions. I’m not good at coming up with them and, truthfully, I’m not good at keeping them. Around January 1st, I do like to jot down a few small goals for the year, though. They might not be resolutions exactly, but it at least helps me take what I’ve learned from the previous year and materialize it somewhat. And, well, I think we all learned a lot last year. At least I hope we did.
There was one thing I thought to write down that I felt like sharing. It’s not a new idea of any sort, but one of my goals was to not take it too hard if I didn’t reach or keep up with the rest of them. It’s pretty easy for me to abandon a “resolution” once I’ve forgotten about it, but it’s not as easy to accept that as okay once I remember again. But, I want to work on that. Sure, a little discipline is good, but you can also set a goal any day of the year. Resolutions are kind of just an excuse to say “I guess … next year?” when we stop drinking three glasses of water every day. If right now, your goal is getting to tomorrow, that’s enough. You don’t need to create a list of things to accomplish every year just to feel bad about yourself a month later. ESPECIALLY when Cynthia from down the hall has somehow made this year her bitch and continues to rub it in your face. On the other hand, if a list of things to check off at the end of the day eases your mind, you’re a different breed and thank you for the inspiration. There’s no perfect way to tackle a new year. You can treat it like any other day, a whole new attempt at life or anything in between. But if you discover a month in that you regret your approach, don’t beat yourself up over it. It truly is just another day.
Something you could do instead of resolutions, or in addition to, is make a list of things you know are going to happen this year that you are excited about. Take your mind off all the things you wish you could change about yourself in the coming year and focus on the excitement of a year of things to look forward to. A new school year, a new job, a project…maybe…a vaccine???
I’m not trying to discourage anyone from making resolutions. If that’s your thing, go for it. However, I think it’s important to keep in mind that hanging them on a specific day might impact you more than you think. You can set a goal any day of the year for any amount of time. Making them specifically for the New Year can make you feel like a failure if you don’t pull through. Mark Adams has an interesting Ted Talk about productivity that you’re welcome to look up but I won’t link here because the second half is … curious. The point is, we can’t change ourselves. We can only better who we are already. So, don’t be too hard on yourself because of a simple goal you set while hungover on New Year’s Day.
Stay home and stay safe! You are enough!
Some highlights from 2020 (some “pre-pandemic” and some post):
howchlocanyougo 