New Year’s Resolutions

Are they just a waste of time and energy or can they really work?

The new year is sneaking up on us quickly. Sometimes a new year can create a bit of pressure on folks. A new year signifies a new beginning for many of us. Are you ready?

Maybe you’re going to start looking for a new job, you may adopt a new outlook on life, it may signify the end of a particularly negative period in your life. Or, it can be the motivation you need to start doing something you’ve always wanted to do! A new year really is a powerful symbolic time for many of us. It offers a chance to do or re-do something significant. A brand new start!

Perhaps because we feel a bit of pressure for the new beginning, many of us feel the need to declare to the world (or ourselves) a list of resolutions about positive changes or things we’re going to start doing at the beginning of the new year . Sadly, it is estimated that only 8% of people actually keep their new year’s resolutions. That’s not great! That means 92% of our resolutions fail. Is it because we’re setting ourselves up for failure by creating unrealistic expectations for ourselves? Maybe we just get bored or burned out. Or maybe we just plain old give up because we realize we don’t have time to commit to a new project or activity. Guess what…who cares?!

No matter the reason for ‘failure’, there is always the positive side of new year’s resolutions…AT LEAST YOU TRIED! You set your mind on a goal and gave it a shot, which is really cool! So you didn’t complete the training for the 10k you were wanting to run – at least you got out there and you ran! And just because you set a goal for yourself that didn’t exactly pan out, it doesn’t mean you didn’t take something positive away from the experience. Maybe now you run more often and further than you did before, creating a healthy lifestyle change for yourself. Nothing wrong with that!

Just remember, even if new year’s resolutions do seem like a waste of time and the vast majority of the time don’t get fulfilled, trying says a lot. Trying to make a positive change in your life is always a good thing. So get out there and find something to strive toward! Want to learn to cross-country ski? Give it a try! Want to volunteer at your local humane society? Head on out and hang out with some awesome furry friends! Always thought about taking a cooking or painting class? Get your apron or smock and enjoy every moment!

Expanding your horizons beyond your yearly habits and comfort zones can create huge opportunities for personal growth and can truly create an opportunity for you to create a Happy New Year for yourself and others all year long.