We’ve just come through the holiday hustle and it seems every other person I speak with makes mention of at least one resolution they hope to fulfill in the new year. That’s not so odd, considering the beginning of January is typically when most people reevaluate their lives and decide what they hope to achieve and what they’d like to overcome.
Much of the recent research conducted about mindset as it relates to meeting goals reveals that in order to be clear about what we want, we must be acutely specific, and we need to reach beyond our clichéd comfort zone. So, while we’re accustomed to the all too common, “I want to lose five pounds,” resolutions have now evolved to, “I want a lake house with an infinity pool, five bedrooms and six bathrooms by May 12th of this year.”
I’ve never been much of a New Year’s resolution fan for two specific reasons. I feel like the best time to set a goal is anytime during the year a desired result is uncovered, so instead of an annual event, I have an ongoing practice of setting goals. Secondly, I find that when I’ve set a target at the beginning of a year it pretty much resembles the same list as the year before: Workout more, lay off the jelly bellies, spend more time with my kids and grandkids. The list is composed pretty flippantly because, well … it’s the beginning of the year and you’ve got to shoot for something.
But the significant triumphs I’ve experienced in the past have been borne out of heartfelt aspirations and reinforced by deep reflection about the effort required to implement that plan. Once that cost is counted, a fervent commitment to the task is a must. That level of engagement can only happen the moment the impulse arises and not just when it’s time to switch to a new calendar.
It’s not that I’m suggesting we abandon the New Year’s resolution tradition. I’m just revealing how goal setting works for me personally. On the flip side, others have found tremendous success when intentions are outlined at the beginning of each year. Whichever system one chooses to use, the key factor is that the objective is clear, the methodology is plainly outlined and the effort is diligently executed.
Just as important as gaining the new, losing what’s not working is crucial. I’ve found that unless we shed what’s needlessly taking up space in our physical as well as emotional realm, moving on to something new becomes a more complicated project. It’s almost as though there’s no room left for more of anything. This is a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way, as I tend to hold on to things past their proverbial expiration date.
This past year proved to be different. I’m learning the art of letting go of the things in my life that are fruitless to allow for more useful blessings to happen. That release has included general stuff, people (yep, you read that right!), mindsets and strongholds that have been counterproductive. The choices may not have been easy, but they’ve been worthwhile. And while 2019 dumped a heap of challenges at my doorstep, it’s also been the year I’ve experienced the most growth and joy than I have in quite some time.
I encourage you to find your own way of shedding the futile and embracing the fruitful and if that involves New Year’s resolutions, then by all means make that list long and precise. The important point is that the goals you set have profound significance. And if you’re willing to pay the price to attain them, you’ll find discarding the clutter in your life in trade for new experiences and opportunities is the most rewarding accomplishment of all.
By Monique Reidy