RESOLVE NOT TO RESOLVE

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson.

Image source: S O C I A L . C U T (Unsplash)

Here I am, several weeks into the year 2025, and I am just now getting around to writing my first blog post this month. There is so much to do with only so many hours in the day. It is the time of year when the New Year's resolutions are in full stride yet fall by the wayside before January ends its 31-day run. Let's resolve not to resolve - but what does that mean?

Last week, mental health advocate and mindfulness expert Wendy Lund (from Canada) posted a by-line LinkedIn post about starting a "Happy New Year." Ms. Lund stated, "I find the promise of "Happy New Year" as a really good example of priming our inner world to feel more energized and motivated . . . The problem - as most of us know - is that we often do little or for long enough to make sustainable changes."

Wendy continued to say that happiness (for her) comes from strategies and goals that allow her to stay present, set boundaries, and lead with curiosity and purpose. When she receives messages wishing her a happy new year, she responds, "I wish you a grounded and resilient new year." Her posting has much more content, and I encourage you to follow her on LinkedIn. She concluded the post with a question for her connections, "Has the idea of New Years changed for you in recent years? If so, how?"

Image Source: Scott Graham (Unsplash)

I answered her post in the following manner: "NYE and NYD are just another day for me. All the years in the fire service, where I had to work these days many times, have made the anticipation less. I now express gratitude for all that was good in the previous year, reflect on what did not go well, and take the lessons learned and move forward."

Setting resolutions has become mandatory as our rite of passage into a new year. When following this "rite," we often set high expectations for ourselves, and if we don't achieve said resolution in "x" number of days, frustration sets in, and we give up. Resolutions are often broad or vague. Instead, set SMART daily goals - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Keep a daily journal to record achievements and barriers to success for that day. Daily responsibilities can interrupt the goal-setting process, and that is okay. Consider finding yourself a like-minded accountability partner to keep you on track. At the end of each day, do your best with what you have in each moment to improve your position (financial, physical, overall health, mental well-being—whatever the goal).

If you do not meet your benchmarks, start again (as Maria Robinson said) and make that new ending. Until next time -

Namaste,

Tim