The Deal with New Years Resolutions

Some people make a promise to break a bad habit, like smoking. Some people make goals to experience or accomplish new things. The new year comes along, and it prompts us to start thinking about our New Years Resolutions.

But what is it about the new year that motivates us to change? Why do we choose this ONE DAY of the year to decide to do things differently?

For me, I can admit that getting caught up in the routine of every day life sometimes meant I simply forgot about my SELF. I would get caught up in the act of doing what was expected and what I needed to do to get by.

Quite simply, once the year had almost come to a close, I would realise that I had forgotten to look in the metaphorical mirror. I’d somehow let what I WANTED for myself slip away. The new year would represent a chance to hit a ‘restart’ button, or have a sort of rebirth.

One big problem that I’ve found with new years resolutions, is the danger that comes with setting milestones for achievement through the year. Sure, they propel us forward, but we also can’t predict the future.

They can cause undue pressure and disappointment when the year comes to a close and we haven’t ‘achieved’ the goals we set out.

How do we know what the new year will bring? It might bring some amazing new experiences that propel us forward; but it also might bring some sadness and experiences that limit us from achieving the goals we set out to accomplish.

Poor health, family misfortunes, loss and other such experiences usually take the priority seat, and our own personal goals we set out to achieve can sometimes become a point of anxiety as they fall by the wayside. They can cause undue pressure and disappointment when the year comes to a close and we haven’t ‘achieved’ the goals we set out.

Here’s the thing – achievement doesn’t always equate with success, and successfully achieving a goal doesn’t always make us happy. Successful resolutions should be uplifting. They should represent a change that ultimately make you feel positive.

By the end of the year, I’m always successful because I’m always a step closer to being a better me.

For me, the kind of foolproof resolutions are simply about ME. I look at the person I want to become, and things I need to do to work towards being that person.

There is no strict goal.  The end of the year isn’t representative of a milestone. I just make a deal with myself. My goal for the year is simply to continue WORK TOWARDS being the ‘me’ I want to be.

By the end of the year, I’m always successful because I’m always a step closer to being a better me.