I’m a big fan of personal betterment, but not a fan of New Year’s resolutions.
Why?
Because a typical resolution usually proves too abrupt a change or too daunting a goal to actually succeed. I might make a resolution only to discover I haven’t given any thought to the steps I need to take to achieve it, the steps may be too hard or one piece of the puzzle missing, whether it’s drive or circumstance or time or finances.
I rarely make any actual New Year’s resolutions, but I do take stock of my life and try to find ways to improve myself or others in more subtle ways. Here’s how…
Be Grateful. It’s one of my favorite billboards. This year, join efforts with a friend and share daily highs via text, email, or instant message. I do this with a friend and it is my favorite time of day, looking back on even a yucky day and finding the good while also encouraging another person in their thankfulness journey.
Improve Someone Else’s Life. Not everyone is in a position for improvement this time of year or perhaps making a commitment to someone or something else is part of a larger goal. Find a way to give, whether it’s a monthly monetary donation, a time commitment, or something greater. Helping others has many side benefits, like increased happiness, which may be just what is needed to take on a new resolution.
Do something fun. “Fun” is a rather ambiguous term, but in this case I’m referring to taking an enjoyable activity to a new level, learning a new skill, or doing the same old things in a new way. Take up adult coloring. Build a reading list. Take photographs of yourself in unusual locations. Learn a card trick. Try new foods at your favorite restaurant. Learn to swim. Or try this list of
humanities resolutions
.
Whatever you do or don’t do, just strive to wake up and be your best every day. Opportunities for kindness, patience, and joy are all around us and it’s easy to smile and say thank you to those around us. Nice people make a nice world if we all have the resolve. 🙂
