“May the New Year bring you courage to break your resolutions early! My own plan is to swear off every kind of virtue, so that I triumph even when I fall!" ― Aleister Crowley
TO RESOLVE OR NOT TO RESOLVE? That is the question. Well, not really. I do not make new year's resolutions anymore. I've learned from the past, making resolutions is a setup for disappointment and heartbreak if I don't achieve them. Well, not really, but kind of. I find myself feeling like a failure and beating up on myself if I don't do the things that I resolve. Therefore, for me, not making resolutions is a form of self-care.
I'm not alone. Most people aren't successful with their resolutions. They give up after a few weeks. Some years ago, I read in an article that mentioned only 8% of people actually keep their New Year's resolution, so if you've failed already (on Day 3), don't worry, the other 92% of people would made resolutions will be joining you soon.
Instead of making resolutions you may not keep, I suggest you set a goal to live your best life...on purpose. When I say "on purpose," I'm mean being intentional with your life. Create a life you love. Next year this time, you would have created "something" with your lives, but is it that "something" you desired?
Here is a list of things you can do to create a life you LOVE...
1. DREAM BIG, THEN BIGGER, THEN BIGGER
2. MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT
3. FALL IN LOVE…AGAIN AND AGAIN
4. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH GOOD FRIENDS/FAMILY
5. LAUGH HARD AND OFTEN
6. BELIEVE IN MAGIC
7. TELL STORIES
8. TRAVEL OFTEN
9. LEARN MORE
10. BE CREATIVE
11. BE TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE…BE AUTHENTIC
12. SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE YOU ADMIRE
13. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
14. BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE
15. TRY NEW THINGS
16. ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE
17. EMBRACE CHANGE
18. EXPRESS GRATITUDE DAILY
19. TRUST IN YOURSELF
20. BE COMPASSIONATE
21. BE COURAGEOUS
22. FIND A PASSION AND PURSUE IT.
I intentionally saved #22 for last. FIND A PASSION AND PURSUE IT. This is an important one to me because I've noticed that many people don't take the time to pursue their passion. They get caught up with their daily routines and the busyness of life that it just passes them by. Remember, we are responsible for creating the lives we desire.
Some years ago, there was a TV series that I enjoyed called Breaking Bad. It followed the life of Walter White.. He was a chemistry teacher who began producing and distributing crystal meth to secure his family's financial future. Being that I'm a chemical engineer, I was intrigued as to how he used his chemical knowledge to become so successful in that life. Check it out if you have time.
There is one scene in the series where Walter White said something so profound. He was asked why he started in the crystal meth business and he responded by saying, "I did what I was good at. I felt alive." Now, he was talking about cooking meth, but you get the point. If you want to feel "alive" this year and each of your remaining years, find something you love (and something you're good at) and JUST DO IT!
As we begin this new year, instead of making resolutions, why not strive towards creating the life you love. Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
Q: What is it that makes you feel alive? What is stopping you from doing it?
"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ―Dr. Howard Thurman
JUST DO IT...because the world needs YOU to come alive!