Why I Stopped Mocking New Year's Resolutions

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, a familiar ritual unfolds across the globe.

Some eagerly jot down resolutions with the hashtag #NewYearNewMe, while others, with a knowing smirk, scoff at the idea of such commitments.

The annual tradition of setting New Year's resolutions has become a tale of two perspectives—one fueled by enthusiasm, the other fueled with skepticism.

It's true; the cynics argue that resolutions are often fleeting. Promises often dissolve quicker than an ice cube in a cup of hot water.

I was once that cynic.

I thought I was above the New Year.

I mocked at the idea that people needed the ‘New Year’ to do this.

I already had goals.

I didn’t need to assess my previous year, nor did I feel like I needed to make ‘empty promises’ to myself.

Looking back, this was my insecurities coming through.

Insecurities around reflection. Insecurities around failure. Insecurities around stagnation, aimlessness, and lack of lofty ambition.

This was me, being my own worst enemy.

Reflection, goals, and behavior change are the only way to make lasting and remarkable changes to your life.

Sometimes it happens out of necessity. Sometimes it happens out of circumstances. But other times, it happens intentionally.

The optimism surrounding New Year's resolutions serves a purpose beyond the surface-level hoo-ha.

Rather than dismissing the practice, you can leverage the symbolism of a new year as a powerful tool for reflection and goal-setting.

The start of a new year provides a natural point for self-assessment.

It's a chance to take stock of your life, consider your accomplishments, and pinpoint areas for growth.

Well, it’s Monday February 5th.

It’s been over 30 days since the start of the New Year.

The New Year craze is officially over.

So where do you stand?

Are you still on track or have you already fallen off the wagon?

If you’re still going strong, great, KEEP GOING.

If you’ve derailed, maybe time for a reset.

While resolutions made in the heat of the moment might not always last forever, the act of setting them prompts you to pause and consider what you truly want from life.

However, the calendar's flip isn't the only metric you should rely on for setting goals.

Life is a continuous process, and you should embrace various milestones and markers for reflection.

And they don’t have to be as obvious as the New Year.

Birthdays, anniversaries, economical quarters, or even the changing seasons can serve as valuable points to recalibrate.

Don’t like even numbers or using clear-cut societal patterns?

Try using the number 7.

Every 7 days.

The 7th day of each month.

A 77 Day Challenge.

The 7th month of the year.

Rather than dismissing resolutions as futile, explore a more individual and constructive approach.

Instead of fixating solely on the turning of the year, we can use a combination of time-based and personal metrics to determine what type of person you want to be.

James Clear , author of Atomic Habits, wrote so eloquently,

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”

So ask yourself, what are the actions that you need to do, to be the type of person you wish to be?

How can you infuse your life with these actions?

By aligning your actions with your values, you can create intentional change.

The power to transform lies not in the date on the calendar but in your commitment to continuous improvement.

Own the process,

Tim?

Author of Mastery Monday

Founder & Student of thepractitionersjournal.com

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