Happy New Year!
Can you believe that we are in 2019 already? I can’t necessarily say this year went by slowly, because at times it felt excruciatingly slow. However, some parts now seem like a blur. And we are all familiar with when New Year’s comes around people like to talk about their goals/resolutions for the new year. I am all about setting goals. In fact, last month I started a new series on my blog where I talk about my goals for the upcoming month.
That being said, I hate New Year’s resolutions. I’ll admit I’m one of those people who roll their eyes at the whole “new year, new me” thing. A someone who gets motivated by goals and planning, why do I dislike New Year’s resolutions? Keep reading to find out.
New Year’s Resolutions Inspire… Inaction?
The main problem I have with New Year’s Resolutions is that it encourages the idea that you can’t make change now, this moment. You have to wait for some magical date that in actuality doesn’t really mean anything. I won’t get into the whole “time is a construct” thing, but what is it about January 1st that suddenly makes it okay to start working towards your goals? What is it about today’s date that is inadequate?
I find that people can get stuck in this mindset of waiting until the next “suitable time” to start working on their goals. Procrastination at its finest. But because it’s coupled with fireworks and streamers and champagne, people don’t view it as a negative. But, it’s a habit you don’t want to get used to. Nip it in the bud now!
5, 4, 3, 2, …
How many times have you or someone you know said they were going to wait until the New Year to do something? Let’s take the ever so common “get in shape/be healthy” resolution. This person knows that the habits they have are not beneficial to themselves. They know they have the means to change it now. Let’s say it’s December, literally right around the corner from the New Year. But, instead of just implementing the new behaviors now, they continue to partake in detrimental/negative habits. Why? Oh, because they “can’t” work on their goals until the clock hits 12 in a few weeks.
This doesn’t make much sense logically. You can do it now. You are aware of it now. But, you’re not going to do anything now. You’re going to just continue in the habits you recognize are things you want to change or improve on. It doesn’t have to apply just to fitness or health. It can be saving money, studying for a test, enrolling in this program, etc. You get an idea to positively impact your life… but you don’t act on it. Why?
Maybe Next Time
“I think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the year’s.”
Henry Moore
Gym memberships spike in the early part of the year. Then, attendance slowly decreases. Why? Because the excitement and allure of a “New Year’s Resolution” has lost it’s charm by the time March rolls around. Then, people are back to imposing limitations on themselves on when it’s okay to start working towards their goals.
Okay, so I messed up on my New Year’s resolutions. Whatever, I’ll get back on it for the summer.
Oh, summer’s over? Okay, by the time Halloween is here, these goals will be crushed!
It’s November 1st? Well, the holidays are going to be busy for me, so let me just wait until New Year’s. I’m serious this time!
Setting Goals are Cool
I’m not saying that you can’t have reflections. You can sit and gather your thoughts, think about your goals and decide the best action plan to achieve them. That’s great. That can happen daily, weekly, monthly, whatever. My thing is, that you don’t need to wait to start. You don’t need to buy into the hype and only get motivated about your goals during a particular part of the year.
Isn’t it telling that everyone talks about their goals during this time but afterwards we hear nothing more on them? Sure, maybe they’re the work in silent type, but I also think once the hype dies down, it’s hard to feel motivated. That’s why I believe if we learn to get motivated, set goals and work towards them whether it’s January 1st of August 19th we’re much more likely to achieve them. Because we’re finding something within ourselves to motivate us, not the noise.
Thoughts?
What do you think of my thoughts on New Year’s resolutions? I know some people love them and feel really inspired by them. Maybe others also agree with me. Let me know in the comments below. Also, subscribe to my mailing list to keep updated on my blog, which I update weekly.
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