There has been a lot of talking lately about the inefficiency of New Year Resolutions. I couldn't agree less and here is why:
For the past eight years, I've embraced the practice of setting New Year's Resolutions, and they have significantly enriched my life. These resolutions have propelled me closer to my goals, empowered me to achieve the seemingly impossible, and, overall, become one of my favorite tools for self-development.
My approach involves pairing my New Year's resolution (which I'll delve into further) with a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the past year.
Evaluation of the Past Year
This involves a meticulous review of my goals, dreams, emotions, achievements, losses, and disappointments across various aspects of my life—relationships, finances, self-development, job and education, lifestyle, and spiritual practices.
To avoid overwhelming myself, I spread this process over a couple of days. It's a journey of looking back, reminiscing, laughing, crying, feeling proud, grieving, and everything in between. Creating a serene atmosphere with a cup of hot chocolate, calming music, and incense enhances the experience for me.
I work chronologically from January to December, using pictures, calendars, and journals to aid my recollection. I jot down notes for each month and then scrutinize my New Year's resolution for that year.
I assess which aspects became a reality, which ones I prioritized, and which ones may have been deferred to the following year. This process facilitates profound reflection on both an emotional and practical level. Surprisingly, every year, I find myself amazed by the progress made, accomplishments achieved, and personal growth experienced in specific areas of my life.
While this process requires a significant time investment, it is, above all, a celebration.
Phase II: Crafting my New Year's resolution for the upcoming year
This resolution is shaped by the insights gained from the previous assessment, encompassing new goals, desires, growth opportunities, and experiences.
I categorize my resolutions, including ambitious goals and smaller, more intimate ones, such as engaging in a shared reading with my partner. Some are even smaller and easier, like visiting an Acro Yoga class. The list spans various perspectives on life, serving as a reminder to maintain emotional balance and offering insights for nurturing relationships, among other aspects.
Have you ever considered an extensive New Year's resolution, as opposed to the classic "I want to lose weight"?
Feel free to let me know if you'd like more information on the categories and questions I use to construct mine!
Wishing you a Happy New Year,
Ly