In my last blog, I stated that I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions and that I like to try new activities instead. I hope you had a chance to try out something new since then! I also said that I have another alternative to resolutions. I will share that idea in this blog.
Although it is already February, it’s not too late to try out this idea. In fact, it’s something I like to do at intervals throughout the year: I take some time to think about what is meaningful to me. This sounds tedious, but it really isn’t. Have you ever had the chance to talk to a friend about what’s important to them? The conversation was invigorating! You felt much closer to them afterwards. You can do the same for yourself. In fact, you may already do this, but perhaps not in a formal way. Try taking some time and writing down what you discover. You could learn something new about yourself!
If you do make resolutions or set goals, you may think this is what I mean. But try this: Write down your goals or resolutions, then ask yourself why you chose them. For example, if my goal is to get a new job, what is the reason I picked that goal? Do I want to make more money? Why? Do I want to make more money for my family? What’s really important to me, then, is caring for my family.
One advantage of this process is that it helps motivate you to work on your goals. It also helps you revise them as needed. Unfortunately, life sometimes intervenes. If I plan to run four miles every day, then I break my leg, I can more easily pick another activity after completing this process. If I run because it is an opportunity to spend time with my friends, I can plan another activity with my friends. If I care about my health, I can talk to the doctor about what exercise is allowed. I’ll be disappointed (and maybe in pain from the broken leg), but not devastated.
If you try this, look at your list and see if there are any surprises. Keep the list and review it from time to time to see where you are headed. I hope 2019 turns out to be your best year ever!