2018 is upon us, so what are you going to do with this year?
For many this is a time for resolutions. Something about the start of a new year get people thinking about what changes they need to make, what improvements can be done and how to better themselves. For me, resolutions are a bit of a sore spot. One the one side, I understand how finding the motivation to do some of these things can be difficult and if the start of a new year allows you to find that motivation, then by all means, embrace it. But are resolutions motivating us in the right way?
There is a well-known joke that gyms are packed in January and clear out by March, the idea being that those resolutions to get in shape only last so long. That’s not to insult the people who don’t follow through on their promise to themselves. I’ve tried pushing myself to get in shape as well and know how hard it is to succeed.
So are resolutions only temporary? Will they be abandoned by a quarter of the way through the year? Sadly, I think the way that most people approach their resolutions, they are inevitably going to fail. But the good news is, there is a much healthier and motivating way to look at the situation.
Instead of making this year about improvement, make it about accomplishment. There is nothing wrong with improving and being able to identify areas in yourself that need improving is something not everyone can do. However, the slight mental maneuvering can make a massive difference in terms of motivating yourself to see things through. Whatever your resolution is, the end result of it is something you want. You want to be in better shape, you want to reach that next level in your career, you want to finish that passion project. Make your resolution about that instead of the means of getting there.
For boomers especially, looking forward at what’s to come, it becomes more and more important to focus on those passions and the things that give you purpose. Keep that in mind as you consider your mission for the year, and make 2018 the year you say “I finally did it!”