Putting resolutions in focus
Well, it’s that time of year again. Things are winding down, people are getting into the holiday spirit and starting to reflect on this past year. What comes with reflection, at least for me, is looking forward. What I am talking about is New Years Resolutions. For some resolutions means everything, a chance to start new, a chance to improve something, maybe a change! For others, resolutions may not mean anything at all or hold much meaning. As for myself, my thoughts on resolutions have shifted quite a bit. They were never something I truly gave any thought to until my mid 20’s. I never really saw any reason to try and change anything I had going on in my life or to develop any new habits. As I got older and started to experience more of what life had to offer, my opinions slowly changed.
I tend to be a pretty all or nothing kind of person. So I viewed resolutions as something that I needed to abide by and if I didn't then I was wasting my time making a promise to myself that deep down, I knew I wouldn’t keep. This outlook caused me to view resolutions through a cynical worldview. What helped change my opinion on resolutions was not only my personal relationships, but the weight loss and fitness community too. A lot of the positive mindset and outlook can be applied to many other aspects of life. We can always improve in some way shape or form. It doesn’t have to be radical overnight but it can be something simple and small, such as getting 5 minutes of sunlight to start your day.
A few years ago I started writing down what I called “goals to focus on” in the new year because “resolutions” felt a bit corny, and again I am an all or nothing kinda guy. By calling them goals rather than resolutions I didn’t feel the pressure associated with the new year and allowed myself to be more intentional and clear with what I wanted to focus on. It all comes down to intention and what you want out of your life. I wanted to improve how I was not only for people in my life, but it morphed into wanting to be better for myself.
I was asked how my thoughts on New Year's Resolutions have changed and to sum all of this up, I think it comes down to intention, honesty with yourself and what your goals are. I always want to improve in whatever way I can so I can live the fullest life. Resolutions no matter how big or small can lead to a lot of life changing possibilities. It all depends on if you want to take the step to make the slightest change. If you do, there's no telling what kind of change it will bring but what matters is making that change with intention.
