Well it’s 2016 and chances are high that many New Year’s resolutions have already been broken. But before you get discouraged, have you thought about maybe throwing in the towel on New Year’s resolutions all together?
The idea of giving yourself one day a year to decide to make the next year better really isn't all that intelligent to begin with. Life should be about setting goals for yourself constantly not about giving yourself a one-day-reset where you can accomplish all your goals for the year.
Many common New Year’s resolutions include: loosing weight, eating healthier, being more positive and using social media less. Well let me just say, sometimes you can't lose those last couple of pain in the ass pounds. Sometimes a doughnut sounds really good and often times pessimism is the way to go. And who doesn't want to rant about that one annoying person on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter that you should probably un-friend/follow but their posts are simply too ridicules to miss out on.
Point being, New Year’s resolutions are unrealistic. There is no “new year new me,” because life happens and sometimes those resolutions are just asking too much.
So I propose an alternative; first of all, set goals for yourself everyday, there is no point in having one day out of 365 days to hold your feet to the fire. Think about how much more you could accomplish. Secondly, why don't you focus on one thing every New Year- being content with who you are and where you are in life.
Stop saying “I should,” “I ought to.” Why does it matter that you can’t lose those last couple of pounds, or you ate that really good doughnut? It doesn’t. Stop making resolutions and focus on where you are in your story. Pay attention to the journey that got you where you are today and be thankful. Don’t say I’m going to lose weight, eat healthier, be less pessimistic and use social media less because at the end of the day all those goals are treating the symptoms and not the problem itself.
If you want to be a better version of yourself this year, then you just need to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Come to appreciate the highs and the lows in your life that brought you to where you are now, and thank yourself for making it as far as you have. Look at your life and all the events that have shaped you and look to the future. Ask yourself who you want to be this next year and be it. Picture your journey so far and if you aren't comfortable with how your journey is looking, change it.
New Year’s represents more than a kiss at midnight and resolutions, it represents a time for reflection on your past year. You have the opportunity to focus on all the ups and downs and in-betweens that brought you to the next year. You have the wonderful gift to change how the next year of your life will be.
