So the 2019 holiday season has passed and many have made resolutions for 2020. Some made a commitment to lose weight, others to take on a no spend year. Others even decided that this year was going to be “their year to thrive” vowing to be more productive in their business or personal lives than last year.
I commend these please for trying to improve their lives and make positive changes but when I see inspirational memes proclaiming “NEW YEAR, NEW ME!” I think “wait what?”
I think I’ve even been guilty of this in the past, mostly in my twenties, but now I just don’t understand the phrase. Sure it’s a new year and it’s tempting to say “this is a new year and a clean slate” but is it really? All those goals that you made for the next year are influenced by your actions, mindset, and behaviors from the previous year and indeed the whole of your life before this moment. It’s not really a clean slate. It’s a slate you’ve written on, doodled on, and scratched out phrases on for your entire life.
Also, how can it be a “new you” so to speak. You are physically the same makeup of cells, organs, and bones that you were last year. I know we’ve all seen that quote ““Every single cell in the human body replaces itself over a period of seven years. That means there’s not even the smallest part of you now that was part of you seven years ago” which could be true. Although I would venture to argue that we are not that different last year at the cellular level than the one we are moving into this year. We are certainly not so different in our words, thoughts and deeds.
I think what people mean by “new me” is that they are going to make changes in their mindset and behavior that will change who they are and create a “new” version of themselves. Some people can do it, they are determined and have the willpower to make those changes, but most of the general population just don’t have that much willpower to keep those resolutions through the entire year. I know I don’t, and I know from countless years of experience.
In the past, even last year, I have made these grand resolutions. I’m going to lose weight. I’m going to get healthy. I’m going to start an amazing online nerd community (that was last year). For the most part, something or someone (mainly me), has hindered my progress to achieve these goals.
So, you may be wondering, what I’m going to do this year if I am not subscribed to New Year’s resolutions and the “New Year, New Me” mentality.
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
That might sound weird. It’s not like I don’t have goals, I do. I have some very personal goals and not so personal that I’d like to achieve. I’m just not going to put pressure on myself to achieve them all THIS YEAR. Nope.
Instead, this year, I’m going to focus on what I focus on all year round.
Trying to be a good person.
Being there for my friends, coworkers, and family when they need me.
Focusing on myself, and my mental, financial, and physical health.
Trying new things and continuing to nurture the things I love.
This is my focus every day. This is what I want and aspire to be. I take these goals with me everyday and I try really hard, sometimes failing like all of us, to focus on what makes me happy and healthy. I don’t need a news years resolution to do that. Just some mindfulness and care for myself and the people around me.
So this year, whether you’ve decided to make a couple New Year’s resolutions or not, I challenge you to ask yourself what your everyday goals are. It could be as simple as washing the dishes every night and spending more time with your family, or as complicated as starting your own business and becoming a multi-millionaire. Whatever your everyday goals, focus on those. Focus on yourself, your family, and your values. I think you’ll find that those goals, when you achieve them or even part of them, will give you more sense of accomplishment than the resolutions you set for just this year.
I hope everyone had a happy holiday season and I hope you have a Happy New Year!
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