I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I have never liked them, and I probably never will. It is not that I have an issue with people wanting to make positive changes in their lives, in fact, it is just the opposite. I think people should always strive to look at how their lives are going and figure out what just isn’t working. The more positive changes that people make, the better their lives will be. People say that this is the goal of New Year’s resolutions, to discover the changes they want to make and to set goals to do so. While this idea sounds good in theory, it is far from how the process actually turns out:
December 31: Oh here we are, I cannot believe it is already New Year’s Eve! It feels like 2014 was just yesterday! I guess it is time to start those resolutions. Let’s see, I definitely want to lose some weight, I’m going to hit the gym four times a week. I also want to spend more time with my kids; I will try for two nights a week of family time when we can all be together doing something fun. And I really should start reading more. I know I am busy with work, but having a good book to come home too is a great way to unwind, plus it is definitely good for the brain! I will try to read two a month. I have made resolutions in the past and they have never seemed to work out, but I have a feeling that 2016 is my year!
January 1: Alright, the new year is here and I’m feeling good! The resolutions list is up on my refrigerator as a reminder; I think I am really going to stick with them this time. I am spending the day with my kids at the ice rink, and I just picked up a couple books from the library, so things are looking good. I also made plans to work out with my neighbor tomorrow; hopefully I will be able to get rid of that holiday weight!
January 15: These resolutions have been a lot harder to follow than I would have thought! We are only two weeks into 2016 and the books I bought have been collecting dust on my dresser, I have only been to the gym twice, and my children are so busy with their schoolwork and activities that we have not had more than one night where we were all together doing something fun. I am really trying to get back on track, but between work and our crazy schedules, I do not know if things will turn up.
February 1: Well, it is official: my New Year’s resolutions are officially dead. Not only have I not been to the gym more than twice a week, but I have actually gained some weight since the holidays; it is probably from all the stress I am dealing with at work. The kids’ schedules have only picked up, and I am lucky if we are all in the same room together for more than a few hours a few times a week! It has just been insane! And do not even get me started on those books; every time I pick one up to do some reading, I end up falling asleep. It is safe to say that this round was a bust. Oh well, I guess there is always 2017.
See what I mean? People have these dramatic improvements that they wish to see in their lives, set unrealistic goals for themselves, and ultimately give up altogether when they cannot accomplish everything they would like to in such a short period of time. Not only are their goals not met, but they look down upon themselves and their abilities for not being able to do all that they had planned. This New Year’s, I challenge you not to make a list of wild milestones you would like to hit and big things about your life you could change, but instead, think about how your life is going, and think about the little things you can do to make changes here and there. I promise, this will be much easier and more beneficial in the long run.
So remember, keep it simple, and have a happy new year!
