Another year has begun, and I sit here wondering whether I should start a list of New Year’s resolutions. We all know how it goes. You formulate your plan for self-improvement, put it in writing, and commit yourself to implementing these changes. It is a new year and the start of a new–and better–you. Skip forward a few weeks or months (some of us are slower to adapt than others), and by the time you’ve gotten used to signing checks and documents with the current year, you’ve misplaced your resolutions and your sense of self-empowerment. Old habits have crept back into your daily life. You forgo that workout to squeeze in more work or more of your favorite TV show. You lapse into the fallback position of “I can’t” and “It won’t make a difference.” And the new year has merely become another year in which you continue to put off the things most important to you because of fear or laziness.
But that is a depressing way to look at it!
So on the first day of 2012, I am revising my outlook. I’m looking back at 2011 and patting myself on the back for all of the progress I made in my personal and professional life. Thinking back on all of these accomplishments inspires me to continue taking small steps towards a truer me. Notice I didn’t say “better” me. Language is powerful. The expectations associated with “better,” “improvement,” and “resolution” just paralyze me. So this year, I am going to approach the new year by asking myself the following questions before every major and minor decision that I make:
- Will this help me live without regret?
- Is this what I truly want?
- Does this inspire me or bring inspiration to others?
- If the world really ends on December 21st, 2012, as doomsday prophecies predict, will I have spent this year with the people I love most, doing the things I love most?
I am going to spend 2012 writing more, imagining more, learning more from my nieces and nephews, and being more inspired. I hope that you give yourself credit for everything you’ve done and attempted to do in 2011. And I look forward to taking steps together in the new year for a healthier, happier, more creative you, me, and community. Happy new year!
SandyInspired 
Jan 01, 2012 @ 11:35:44
well, that is inspiring and refreshing. I too have decided no more “whens” in my conversation. NO to: when I get enough money, enough time, go on vacation. When is Now. So if I can’t do it today or by this week it goes good-bye. Breaking things down to smaller do-able tasks, or deciding to let it go completely. I’m thinking how the declutters work with hoarders: file, give to charity, or throw out. something like that only as a way to clear out the “shoulds” in my life. Letting go of unfinished stuff and only taking on things I can finish. Mainly so I can spend time with friends and family, truly the only things that end up being important in the long run. and that I forget when I get too busy!!!