Every year without fail I make a list of New Year’s resolutions. Sometimes the list is formal, ranked in order of priority, written down, tacked up where I can see it. Other times I simply make a few silent vows and commit them to memory. Either way, the start of a new year never fails to inspire me to want to make a change for the better, to assess with a critical eye the things that went well over the previous 12 months, and to take an unvarnished look at areas of my life that can stand improvement.
Regardless of their format, resolutions are vital. Living a worthwhile life means growing, changing and constantly trying to improve. I have promised more times than I care to remember that this would be the year that I finally lose weight, get in shape, eat better, sleep more, organize my life, save more money…the list is endless. Whether or not I actually achieved those goals is not nearly as meaningful as the fact that I set them.
The desire to do better in virtually all areas of my life isn’t restricted to the month of January. I’m a year-round learner. If there is a book, a TED talk, or a lecture that promises to help me improve some aspect of my existence, I’m all over it.
This year I’m taking a different tack
This year, my approach to resolutions is a bit more laid back than last year, when I filled a journal page with goals and then categorized them according to the time frame in which I planned to achieve them.
This year, I’m keeping it simple. My resolutions are to do more of three things that will enhance my life: reading, writing and praying, and do less of two things that rob my peace of mind: doubting and worrying. If I can consistently do those things, the rest, I figure, will fall into place.
Of course, I have other, more specific business and personal goals. I’m still working off of last year’s detailed and annotated list. But for the new year, I’m going to refocus myself on those five pillars as the basis for achieving the rest.
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What have you resolved for 2019?
Whatever your goals, I wish you a happy, healthy and productive New Year.
