Newsfeeds and blogs are buzzing right now with a focus on New Year’s resolutions. New Hope. New You.
It’s all so inspiring and exhausting and polarizing at the same time. Some people seem to love them, while an equal amount seem to loathe them. Just start a conversation about resolutions and you’ll find out quickly where people stand.
So where does that leave us? Regardless of our tastes and preferences, is it really worth it to make a resolution, to jump on the bandwagon and join the fray?
I’ll be honest, I have vacillated over the years between setting them and not. I’ve always loved resolutions, that’s not the issue. I like visionary thinking and implementing goals and strategies, but the non-conformist in me doesn’t always love the idea of it being a societal standard for the New Year. If I want to start a diet, I’ll start one. Today. Right this minute. Not because it’s January 1 or May 22 or any other date. If I’d like to lose a few pounds I will set a goal and start. Now.
Except that I might not. Because reflection and goal setting takes intentionality and is loads more effective when coupled with planning and a bit of preparation. We all know that, right?
My preferred method of resolutions-on-my-own-terms worked better when I was younger, because sans children and a husband, I mostly did life on my own terms. But years later, with a busy household of kids, commitments and obligations, well, there are a whole lot more distractions and far less time for reflection.
Last week, Michael Hyatt referenced a study that stated nearly 40% of people in their 20s achieve their New Years resolutions while not even 15% of people in their 50s do. Startling, huh? I think the “noise” in our lives, and our ability to focus on our goals amidst the noise, has much to do with that.
So that is the reason I’ve become a fan of resolutions on January 1, not May 22. January 1 doesn’t slip by unnoticed. It never sneaks past us. Take the date and own it. Make this week a hard stop to do some serious thinking. Where are you at? Where are you going? What areas need shoring up and adjusting? I’m not talking the power of positive thinking here, friends, I’m talking about being the best stewards we can of the resources we have been given – our very lives being the most foundational among them. This life is a powerful gift. Your knowledge, skill and creativity are powerful tools. Are you using them well?
That is something worth thinking about. That is worth doing a check-up on at least once a year. So I encourage you to go there this week. I will too. I have several posts lined up for you – different ways a resolution can look, things I’ve done in the past, what I’m planning for the upcoming year and more. But let’s start by simply doing some honest assessment of where we are and where we want to go. Get the wheels turning and we’ll work to keep things rolling from there.
What about you? Do you typically set New Year’s resolutions?
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love The Big Scary Question that Stopped Me in My Tracks.
we all meet our goals at different times but the truth is that we still all meet them . I encourage my children to use their talents and experiences that God has blessed them with to help others
That’s great, Angie! Your kids are blessed to have a mama who is teaching them to use their talents well.
I don’t think I have ever set a a resolution, even though I don’t think it’s a bad idea, it’s really just not my personality to do so!
I think you’re right, Caroline; personality plays a big role in goal setting. We’ll see if I can tempt you though. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
My beautiful father in law passed away this week. His goal of entering into glory forever happened on Christmas Eve. What trivial earthly annual goal can compare? None I say. None.
None, indeed. <3
another great thought katie
Thanks, Jann!
I’ve always been a goal setter-even when I haven’t really wanted to be! I do prefer more short term goals, like monthly goals, rather than yearly goals. Little by little works best for me!!
I love that “even when I haven’t really wanted to be”, Stephanie. That’s discipline. 🙂
my goal for 2016 is to not only make goals – but to stick to them!
Stick with me, Andi, we’re going there! 😉
I typically set resolutions and the last 2 years they have been great for me. This year I am going to do things a bit different and set monthly goals instead of annual ones.
I like that, Alonda! Are you setting them all in advance or as you go? That will definitely provide you variety.
I typically do set a New Year’s resolution…or two. Typically it involves reading my Bible more and upping my fitness. I agree with you, January 1 is a great reminder to reset our restart button and get our lives back on track. Personally, I appreciate the reminder 🙂
I’m learning to do so as well, Sue. Wishing you the very best as you seek progress in those areas! 🙂
I’m a goal setter by nature. Unfortunately I’ve been seeing that dissipate after having children. So I am going to be intentional about it this next year. I know what you mean though about not wanting to just conform! But I think there’s something powerful about resolutions as long as they are attainable and you have a plan on how to accomplish them!
I’m glad someone else gets that non-conformist strategy, even if it’s not really productive. 😉 When your kids are little it’s definitely tougher to set a schedule and goals but I promise it gets easier.