Since I was 10 years old, every year, before the clock struck midnight in recognition of the new year, I had a list written down: My Resolutions. I would always look forward to handwriting these lists in my special, pristine pink notebook. It was like becoming a new person. A “new” me, a “new” life.
In the beginning, as a kid, I wrote a similar list each year. I wanted to read, eat good food, save up for new toys, do well in school and spend time with my friends. As I grew older, I started making resolutions to exercise more, eat better or learn a new skill. The month of January always began well. I would go on a run every other day and practice the guitar on the weekends. Then, sadly but surely, by the time the middle of February rolled around, I had forgotten about the resolutions.
Once the pandemic started, my views on New Year’s Resolutions significantly shifted. For 2021, I just wanted a normal life again. But, that was wishful thinking. Life would never be the same again. In 2022, I did not know what to aim for nor what to ask myself for because life had become unpredictable. I began to despise my belief in resolutions because they just felt like empty promises I was making to myself. There was no substance.
I didn’t need to make resolutions — I needed to make a plan, a plan that allowed me to take real control and set realistic and attainable goals for myself. I used to set lofty expectations for myself and be disappointed when I did not receive the results I wanted. This year, I didn’t write resolutions. I wrote down my passions — things that will motivate me to find a purpose and create goals to meet my highest aspirations. Instead of huge resolutions, it is important to start small and assess progress every month. Each month can be a “new” period instead of waiting a year to start again because it never is too late to be who you want.