There is a quote by an unknown person that says “Take time to look back at your past, appreciate the present, and plan for the future.”
For many, a new year sparks reflection about how we want to foster change in our selves and in our lives by setting a New Year’s resolution. Wikipedia states “A New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western World but also found in the Eastern World, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life at the start of a new year.” Which in concept is wonderful, yet in reality many people only keep their resolutions for 36 days into the new year.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ashe
Instead what about setting goalutions? What are actions do you want to take to improve your quality of life, your health, your happiness. Steps you can take in your life that feel better for you, that propel you forward in who you want to be and where you want to be. A friend shared that this new year she set an intention to make her bed everyday so regardless of what her day holds it begins with an accomplishment. By making her bed she begins her day with a success.
The reality for every single of us is that we do not have to change anything. The reality for every single one of us is we can set goals at any moment on any day. Yet personal goals can be helpful. According to an article in Positive Psychology “Setting goals helps trigger new behaviors, helps guides your focus and helps you sustain that momentum in life. Goals also help align your focus and promote a sense of self-mastery. Setting goals not only motivates us, but can also improve our mental health and our level of personal and professional success.”
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Buddha
Perhaps you have set a goalution or two and then you get off track. You stop taking the actions you were taking. Perhaps you decide to quit. Let’s say my friend does not make her bed on morning because she does not feel like it. Chances are as the day goes on she will have an internal head battle about making the bed that will go something like this “I am sick of making my bed” “I really like going to bed with a made bed” “I don’t feel like making the stupid bed.” “I feel better after I make my bed.” At any point in the day she can make her bed even if it is right before she goes to bed. In setting goals we can focus on what we are giving up instead of what we are gaining. Her gain is to feel accomplished by going to bed in made bed. An article in Inc.com by Amy Morin she says “Over the years, I’ve learned that no matter what kind of goal someone is trying to reach–health, financial, parenting, relationship, or career–there are some common traps that might keep them from living their dreams.”
“Sometimes is the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.” Keri Russell
So in the year of 2022 if you choose to set goaluations go for it! You’ve got this. If you get off track that’s okay too. Take some for reflection and choose how you want to move forward. As the quote by an unknown author says “Before making a decision take a moment to ask yourself this question: Will it bring me happiness.” We thank you for being you and bringing your awesome to the world. Happy 2022🌟
May your goaluation be with you💜
Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash
Here is the article in Inc: https://www.inc.com/amy-morin/9-things-that-will-prevent-you-from-reaching-your-goals-and-how-to-avoid-those-c.html
