A New Year, A New You...Are You Willing?

Happy New Year.

It's going to be a great one.

Isn't it?

Of course it is!

I mean, what have you got to lose? Weight, Drama, Clutter, Anger, Excuses...? Have you been here before, on this road to the "New Year's Resolutions?" Heaven knows, I have. I want this year to be different, though. Even though I'd like to think that I am better prepared to make, and keep, all my resolutions this year, I would like to change the process up a bit. Maybe you want to, as well? You are welcome to follow along, because I plan on going a little easier on myself this year.

I want to start with changing the whole "Resolution" title. I think it scares people. It resonates with failure, defeat and agonizingly hard work (for some of us, anyway). Sure, in the beginning we are always gung-ho about starting fresh and gaining a renewed outlook on the year to come, but, as we start to realize the hard work all of our lofty demands of ourselves is going to take, we wane until they are long forgotten. Our resolutions become a thing we leave back around January 17th...

The first thing I plan to do is forget the "resolution" part. I plan to set some goals, instead. Not a whole truckload, either. Just a simple, manageable list of what I would like to accomplish this year. The important thing here is to list goals that are attainable and that you are actually excited to do. If you are one who has a hard time narrowing it down to the most important items on the list, go ahead and go all out at first, and narrow it down from there.

Here...I'll show you what I mean...

Sometimes I have a real hard time deciding what to cut out, and what to keep, when it comes to organizing my priorities. So, the best thing I have learned to do is to write it all down (just to satisfy my need to not forget anything) and narrow it down from there.

This is what I will do, probably right on the 1st of January...

1. Write everything you would like to accomplish in the new year down on paper. Don't worry about proper form right now, just jot down what comes to mind.

2. Categorize your list into smaller, more manageable "piles" placing like with like.

3. In each of those "piles", prioritize what's most important to you and 'delete' anything repetitive or that doesn't take top priority.

There. Done.

Really...? Easier said than done, right?

Look, I realize there are a lot of people (and posts) out there on your favorite social media sites either swearing off, or raging full steam ahead for, the power of the "New Year's Resolution." But, no matter if you go out and buy a new planner to help you keep on track, or you roll your eyes at everyone else who is, you have to admit...now is the perfect time to give yourself another chance at starting fresh. It's what the whole "first of the year" hype is all about. If it didn't work, why would so many people be so into it?

The problem isn't the resolutions...it's your resolve.

That's why you have to go easy on yourself. You can whittle away all of the things on your overwhelming "I need to do" resolution/goal list and actually do something on the "want to do" list. 

Besides, you have to want something bad enough to actually go after it, right? Another "need" list = chore; but finally having a "want to do something to better my situation" list is a challenge...

The good kind. 

Have a fantastic day. I hope your New Year's celebration last night was pleasant for you with lots of hopes and dreams for the future year. I wish you all happiness, heath, luck, love, joy, serenity, and comfort in all that you do. My New Year's wish this year is that everyone accomplishes greatness and is always surrounded in a positive light.

May you have all the wonderfulness you deserve!

Thanks for reading,


Nanette