1. Why resolutions for the new year?
The practice of making resolutions for the new year is thought to have first caught on among the ancient Babylonians, who made promises to earn the favor of the gods and start the year off on the right foot. (They would reportedly vow to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment.) Nowadays, it has become more like a trend to make ourselves accountable for things that we wouldn’t do or commit to doing after January… If that makes any sense, honestly I think you don’t wait and take action now! everyday can be the best day for resolutions, be your best!. I am still trying to understand why these commitments are not made at any time of the year. Perhaps it is that sense of camaraderie that surrounds us during the end-of-year celebrations, with a bit of social pressure, that helps or pushes us to generate accountability.
Having said that, 2023 is over and we are a few days into 2024, so it’s time to start catching up with any pending matters that you might have, improve your health, call old friends, tune up good habits, make home improvements, etc., whatever makes sense for you to start the new calendar year. Now, I guess you are starting 2024 with a new, clean slate. Seriously, I would like to know how many months before December of each year I must stop following past year’s resolutions to call it a “blank slate.” Is it during the first semester? I don’t know, but it is that time of the year again.
2. Planning for the new year
By now, I guess the network is full of advice on how to make your resolutions, what to commit to, and what not to commit to, with all the whistles and bells possible to attract your attention. The whole world revolves around it, to such a degree that the economy also takes part in it, with gym membership discounts and new trendy classes that promise to bring something different to your life, the earth, and the sky in the blink of an eye. There are even so many options that it is difficult to decide among them, but hey, no worries; in these times, I guess you can always shift to a different one, right? We believe freedom is about having as many options as possible, but we don’t realize that we become slaves to the system, switching from one to another and failing to make efforts when difficulties arise. Think about this: why would you stop, think, and carefully decide on your options (resolutions) if you never followed through to see the end results, nor will you be held accountable for them? Probably you will choose the trendy one or the one that is never carried out all year long.
I am convinced that the world pushes us in so many directions that it makes it almost impossible for our minds to follow one and thrive. Could this be the reason why it gets so difficult to follow a whole year’s’ resolutions? The truth is, it takes a strong will to achieve desired results and not to fall out. We trick ourselves into “something else” or “next year.”
If you usually keep up with all your resolutions and don’t feel any of these provoking thoughts apply to you, congratulations! You are part of the 9% of people who make it through a whole year without breaking their resolutions.
3. Allow yourself to run out of options.
Sometimes it feels good not to have options. I once read that two or three options are considered “real options,” and our brains can and will make good decisions over selecting the best of them. It will assess and evaluate subconscious data and provide you with a result that will make you feel confident, or at least more confident than if you had to leave behind five or more options. Really, 4, 5, perhaps 10, or even more options (which is what the market usually offers us) make our brains collapse and enter decision paralysis. Of course, we don’t realize this process is taking place; it is subtle and often makes us believe that we are really choosing between options, but unless we can shorten the list and cut down options to 2 or 3, then we are really not. It doesn’t really matter if there are too many options, too many things to consider, narrow down, go at random, or walk away.
4. Resolutions
A few days ago, we got into the yearly cycle of making our New Year’s resolutions, promises, and commitments, and I have no doubt that many of us will follow through and thrive while others might experience some difficulties on the road, but this is totally fine. Some of these resolutions will be a one-time act, while others will seek to create a new habit over the year or even eradicate one. Where will you be in a few months? On the 91% of people that didn’t follow through or into that small elite of performers that adds up the 9% or total population making new year’s resolutions?
Let me encourage you and provide a different perspective here. No matter where you stand in this wave of resolutions, know this: if you have an intention, a single spark, a desire for change, find out your big fire, go in the “search,” ignite that will power, and carry on. Just remember, as with any other power, at some point you will need to recharge. Accept that some days will be more difficult. I get it: work, family, friends, neighbors, cold, windy weather, travel, budget, you name it. They will all haunt your resolutions, and someday you will have to make sure you just keep going, maybe slow but steady, no problem. Do you need to lower your weight? Sure, but keep the repetitions; no problem; came to a full stop? Sure, rest, recharge, and keep going again. You see, new year resolutions do not need to be a do it all or leave it; I think it has more to do with a new state of mind that you build over time, and that keeps you going, let us say, a sort of resilience resolution.
5. My gift for you
I want to propose something for you. Three thought-provoking questions to think, reflect, and thrive, but thrive your own way, not my way, not your social fellows way. The trick is that you cannot move on to the next question until you are sure or feel comfortable with your answer to the previous question. Warning!. Although there is no magic behind it or a secret formula, this could have a huge impact on your career and life. It could make you look at your resolution from a different perspective.
Don’t rush; read each question word by word; take your time; let the question settle in you; compenetrate with your thoughts. It is very personal. It can get you closer to your resolutions or even get you on the right path for what you are really looking for. Look for these golden questions below.
6. Finally thoughts
Make this year count; every bit of effort counts; grow at your pace and make yourself aware of the options you may have available; divide your big, bold goals and conquer through small but constant achievements; think of the real impact that your resolution will have on your life; recalibrate when necessary; this way you will compound on your wins and enjoy the journey in 2024. There is no reason to waste energy and resources on things that won’t make a difference in your life.
Often pause to think and correct course when necessary; don’t rush; and don’t make abrupt commitments without a purpose and a long-term goal. The “why” we do things sometimes becomes more important than ever, sometimes even more important than the “how” we do things. Nourish your soul, your body, and your mind in a way that you can feel that you are growing inside, that my friends, will make your new year’s resolution totally worth it, and that you will be in control of your own yearly resolution success.
Without further due, here they are:
1) How can you make a strong start in 2024?
2) What areas of your life would benefit the most?
3) How would you make yourself accountable for this?
If you see the value behind these simple reflective questions, enjoy them and share them. Cheers! Happy new year!
