All the great intentions of a New Year’s resolution often lead to broken promises. It’s not your fault, nor should you place blame on dashed hopes. The goal, perhaps, was unachievable. The bar raised too high! Rather than repeat everything just to obtain the same expectation, consider choosing a concrete plan to address your goals, dreams, and the passions which bring you happiness. The resolution to transfer into 2022 all the positive qualities to create your best self is already present. There’s no need to invest or change who you are; instead, it will take reflection and determining how to impart your most positive qualities and skills across 12 months!
Mirror, Mirror
“What we think, we become.” ~ Buddha
Reflecting is not the same as staring into your reflection. Go beyond the exterior of self and think about who you want to be. Perhaps those goals identify words, such as being more “patient,” “kinder,” “giving,” less “judgmental,” and “willing” to say yes, instead of no. Next, consider what raises your frustration level and brings out a negative characteristic. It’s easy to make changes by tuning out, shutting down, and walking away.
Friendships
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
~ Mark Twain
The people in your inner circle have a significant impact on your well-being. Whether it’s family or friends, colleagues or teams, other individuals’ daily interaction can influence or drain your spirit, thoughts, beliefs, and motivation levels. Any success you have threatens their feelings of inadequacy. Of course, this is not your battle to fight. The desired outcome is choosing the positive, seeking a circle that encourages, supports, and challenges ideas and thoughts positively. Eliminating the toxic associations is within itself a difficult task; yet, rising to a higher standard will manifest positive outcomes!
Dreams to Goals
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
It begins with the creation of thought that can take any shape or form. For instance, perhaps you dream of becoming a proficient swimmer, learning to play the violin, taking a new career path, starting a business, or buying a home. Goals are realized when you are ready to take the dream and provide it with the focus and attention it requires. How can you take the first step? Research. Make a phone call. Ask questions. Assess your finances and determine a means to start saving money. The daydream is a mental picture; don’t wait without grabbing the first puzzle piece stretching from imagination to reality!
The Extracurricular
“Being creative is not a hobby; it’s a way of life.”
~ Unknown
Determine what activity gives you peace, happiness, and promotes a therapeutic quality or mental escape. While some people name sewing, painting, cycling, dancing, photography, soapmaking, or reading, you, too, can find that extra something that is a gift. Hobbies take us from our everyday routine and provide an opportunity to hone a skill. Even though it may seem daunting to add one additional item to your to-do list, a hobby offers benefits that often make up for the time they require! While some hobbies are solitary endeavors, many encourage social interaction to share our passions and form new relationships. Studies conclude that social connections are components of what drives happiness and meaningful life. What hobby will you endeavor to begin?
A new, blank slate is symbolic, as we consider the potential for a new year. We learn from looking back, while reflecting upon the unknown, unwritten possibilities of tomorrow. They can be bright, with you guiding the path and deciding where to begin. Creating your best self takes time. You have all year to try, learn, tweak, and assess. Don’t wait! A year from now, you’ll wish you had started today!
