A new year is right around the corner and I’m noticing that most everyone I know falls into one of two camps; those who make resolutions, and those who don’t.
I know the arguments against them. They never last. You start the year off with disappointment. Yadda, yadda, yadda. I get it. I really do.
That said, I like New Year’s resolutions.
Personally I think they get a bad rep because people are either unrealistic, or just a downer. If you use your resolution list as a way to lay out everything you see as wrong with yourself, of course you’re going to hate them! Similarly, if you come up with a list that includes things like, “Lose 150 lbs,” or “Quit sugar,” you may be setting yourself up for failure.
To me setting my New Year’s resolutions is basically a goal setting process. I have a lot of things to be proud of, and I take a few moments to celebrate them. I still have a lot of things I want to accomplish, too. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I think that once we stop striving for something, anything, our life is effectively over.
My resolutions also allow me to take stock of the various areas of my life. After all, I’m a mom, a wife, a teacher, a writer, a business partner, a friend, a life-long learner… and a lot more. Sometimes it seems like I’m not doing any of it particularly well, and sometimes I feel like a rock star. Taking time to reflect allows me to organize my thoughts – something I don’t get to do a lot – and refocus on what’s really important.
So what makes a good resolution? Well, that depends on what you want. Some people like their resolutions to be measurable. For example, lose 15 pounds. Others like resolutions that are more vague, like get in shape.
Thinking about getting back on the resolution wagon? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Try something new every month. Here’s a great Ted talk about this idea.
Spend more time with friends. Have friend dates once a month, or more.
Make more money. Start a business, or get a part-time job.
Read more. Join a book club or read a new book every month.
Get out of debt. Pay off credit cards or your student loans, save a certain amount.
Learn something new. Learn a new language or to play an instrument, or learn something related to your job.
Get a pet. Adopt a dog or cat. Get a fish.
Travel more. Go to Paris. Go to the Caribbean. Go to New Jersey. Just go.
Eat healthier. Cook at home more. Try new, healthy recipes.
Do something you’ve always wanted to do. Write a book. Go skydiving. Get a tattoo. Kiss the cute guy in your office. Be bold!
Are you going to be making New Year’s Resolutions?
