Why is it so hard to keep New Year's resolutions?!
It's the same old story every time December 31st rolls around. I stand in front of the clock, counting down those final fated seconds, and say to myself, "Bridget, this is your year. You're gonna do great things. Carpe diem." Yadda yadda.
And then nothing changes. What's up with that?
Another year has come and gone and, as I look back on it, I start to recognize a pattern. Despite my good intentions at the start of every new year, I can never seem to change my diet, be nicer, or make a million bucks during that first week of January.
Even so, positive change does happen. It just takes a little longer than expected; sometimes, that's a problem.
Our society conditions us to believe that instant gratification should be a given. If my computer doesn't boot up quick enough, I curse the piece of junk. When my friend doesn't text back right away, I assume I've been forgotten or abandoned. When my new year's resolution doesn't kick into gear by January 2nd, I give up, head to the fridge, and binge-eat a tub of ice cream.
We tend to overlook the fact that change happens one step at a time. Life isn't gonna turn itself around in a week. There are 365 days in a year- that allows us a lot of time to learn from our mistakes, overcome obstacles, and start fresh. Each day of the year changes you and, although you may not notice at first, every little thing adds up.
Don't believe me? Look back on the year you've had.
As I await 2016, I'm going to approach resolutions with a new perspective. Rather than sticking to that same old speech, I've got a new slogan this time.
Try to change your thoughts this year, and positive actions are bound to follow.
One of my favorite books is 8,789 Words of Wisdom by Barbara Ann Kipfer. It's packed with meaningful advice and quotes. I keep it on my nightstand and, when I'm having a tough day, I flip to a random page and read down the list. In the midst of writing this article, I turned to the book for inspiration and came across some wonderful words. I leave you with my favorites as you start 2016.
Wisdom takes years to acquire.
You have to crawl before you can walk.
No matter how hard you try or how much time you spend worrying, some things just cannot be changed.
What pains us trains us.
Happy is the man who can call today his own.
Happy New Year!
