It’s not uncommon to sit down before midnight on December 31st and analyze the year you just experienced. It may even be a time to revisit all the resolutions that you made a year ago to see what you accomplished, what you didn’t, and the things you never thought would happen, but they did. It’s a time for reflection and also a hopeful look towards the future.
I find that time especially interesting, because I notice that people get more hung up on the things they didn’t do, rather than the things they did. I find that so sad too, because what about all the things that you never even thought were possible, but they happened anyway? What about the things that you couldn’t have possibly predicted, but you’re a completely different person now because of them?
Instead of making a list of the things we want to do, I think we should make lists of the kinds of people we would like to be. Life isn’t about materialistic things. It’s about relationships and experiences and the times that great things happen that aren’t predicted.
I also find it sad when people think that when they accomplish their New Year’s resolutions, they will become happy. This occurs when someone says, “I’ll be happy when I get a new car” or “I’ll be happy when I get in shape.” I have some bad news, happiness is simply a feeling that comes and goes. It isn’t an end goal.
One of my favorite quotes is, “happiness is a mood, not a destination.”
That quote is something to keep in mind when you make your New Year’s resolutions. Focus on personal goals instead of just things you want to buy or longer-term goals. Start with something simple, something that is attainable and that you can evaluate yourself. Make a plan to attain it. And then here’s the most important part-- follow through with it.
I know it’s easy to get tied up in what life demands of you, but what about the things that you demand of yourself. It’s important to take time to yourself and figure out what you want instead of what other people want for you. It’s easy to get caught up in a routine. The hard part is breaking out of it.
If you’re wondering how to actually accomplish your New Year’s resolutions, know that you can’t just sit around and wish for things to happen. You have to make them happen yourself. If you want a new car, you have to start gradually saving and not just sit there knowing you don’t have the money and being upset. If you want to get fit, start by eating healthy and taking 10 minutes out of your day to exercise. Slowly decrease the bad foods you’re eating and increase the time that you’re exercising. Nothing changes over night. Baby steps may be the fastest way to success.
Constantly remind yourself about how good it would feel next December 31st, knowing that you made it through the year by sticking to your resolutions. But also, even if you don’t, every day is the perfect day to start a new resolution and work for something that you want and are passionate about. Don’t keep waiting for December 31st to make changes in your life.
