New Year’s Resolutions are a popular tradition where individuals start anew in a commitment or commitments intended to improve some area of their life by the end of the new year.
Resolutions can serve as a catalyst for change or they create a defined timeline, both of which overcomes procrastination. Starting a new habit, or working towards a goal at the same time countless others are beginning, can also create the environment and the community needed to get the initial traction or quick wins that could encourage more longstanding success.
So why do so many people give up on their resolutions by early March? Maybe they aren’t making actionable enough resolutions.
Throughout December I’m sharing what New Year’s resolutions you shouldn’t make and which ones you should make instead. Check out last week’s suggestions, then dive into this week’s considerations:
New Year’s resolutions don’t: Spend more time with family.
New Year’s resolutions do: Commit to a specific routine that involves the family’s participation.
Saying you want to spend more time with family opens you up to the same variables that have made it a challenge moving into the new year. It is more of a wish than a goal.
In 2016, my husband and I put an image of a meatball beside a movie camera reel on our vision boards. As a family we committed to “Movie Meatball Monday” with total dedication. We each declined social engagements, volunteer commitments, networking events or any possible conflicts to our sacred movie night. Each week we made meatballs, collectively selected a movie, and then climbed onto the couches in the bonus room together.
With very limited exception we’ve gathered every Monday this year. Because we set a specific routine and held it sacred, our family now has a year of memories, quotable movie lines and meatball preferences to show for it. When life gets hectic, we know we have Movie Meatball Monday to bring us back together each week.
New Year’s resolution don’t: Manage stress better
New Year’s resolution do: Remove negative people from your life
When you say you want to manage stress better there is no real “how to” behind it to help you be successful.
Instead, take the first step towards a less stressful life by kicking the Negative Nancys and Negative Neds out of your life. Just because you’ve been friends (or even family) for years does not mean you have to choose to spend your limited time with complainers or people who are constantly stirring the pot. Oh, and you don’t have to solve their never-ending problems, either. While you’re at it, unfollow or unfriend the haters on Facebook, too!
Repeat after me: Not my circus. Not my monkeys.
By phasing out the time you spend with people who create stress for you, you will find you will be able to better manage the natural stresses of life.
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
Do you agree or disagree with my assessments? Share your thoughts in the comments!