2024 Resolutions or Routines

Having a different conversation about resolutions.

I've been reflecting a lot lately on the concept of resolutions, especially around this time of year. I've realized that the traditional approach to New Year's resolutions might not be the most effective for everyone. Personally, I've found that setting rigid resolutions at the start of the year often leads to a sense of disappointment if things don't go as planned.

This year, life threw me a curveball right at the beginning – I got sick. While it wasn't pleasant, it gave me a chance to rest and rethink my approach to self-improvement. It made me ponder on the idea of embracing a more flexible and realistic way to stay motivated throughout the year, rather than just focusing on the "new year" aspect.

If you're interested in the details of a small but impactful task I accomplished, keep reading.

I believe in integrating small, manageable habits into our daily routine, rather than overwhelming ourselves with major changes all at once. This approach seems more sustainable and less daunting. For instance, being under the weather recently, I found the opportunity to tackle some minor tasks. One of them was sorting through my medicine drawer. It was a chance to discard any expired medications, including, somewhat embarrassingly, old prescriptions for my beloved dog who has passed away. There were also several over-the-counter medicines that were past their expiration date. Clearing out this small space brought a surprising sense of accomplishment.

Setting unrealistic resolutions or goals can significantly impact your self-esteem in various negative ways:

Decreased Motivation: Continual failure to meet unattainable standards can decrease motivation. You might start feeling that since the goals are not achievable, there's no point in trying, leading to a lack of effort and further reduction in self-esteem.
Neglecting Achievements: When you're focused on unrealistic goals, you might overlook or undervalue your real achievements. This neglect can prevent you from seeing and celebrating your actual strengths and successes, further eroding self-esteem.
Increased Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to achieve unrealistic goals can lead to increased stress and anxiety. This constant state of worry and tension can negatively affect how you feel about yourself.

To maintain healthy goals, it's important to set realistic, achievable tasks that are in line with your abilities and circumstances. This approach allows for personal growth and development without the negative impact.

In conclusion, while I don't experience personal resolutions anymore or the emotional consequences of unmet goals, I recognize their significance in others. Approaching goals with a realistic and a flexible mindset, celebrating small successes, and learning from setbacks can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling goal-setting experience.

Do you set resolutions each year? And if you do, how do you find the process of sticking to them?