This is my first post of 2016 and I’m a little nervous. I have been thinking about what to write all day. The start of a new year means the start of a new you. Right?
The reality is I doubt any single one of us will 100% succeed on all of the things we vow to do better this year. But I still think we should try.
That is why we make these New Year’s Resolutions: To do better, to see part of ourselves that have room for improvement, and set a goal to do something about it. I read today that people who write down their goals are 60% more likely to achieve them and those that tell the people around them their goals are also very successful in their achievements. I think this was an article in “Real Simple.”
So here goes, here is what I am planning on improving this year:
- Put the phone down. I want the people around me especially my family to know that they are more important than what is going on on social media, email, Pintrest, You Tube, all of it.
- Work out again-I ran yesterday Go ME! I know this is one of the MOST common resolutions but… Hey- what if it sticks?
- Be a better friend. I am TERRIBLE at calling and texting back. I love my friends dearly, and have every intention of keeping in better touch, then I realize a week (or three) has passed and I forgot to reply to a message or return a call. Friends/Family I’m sorry-this year, I’ll work on it.
I think many people are starting to give up on even making “New Years Resolutions” especially ones in the eat better and work out more (see #2 above) category. I totally get why. Resolutions require commitment, change, and a commitment to change. If it was easy we would all be able to slip on our skinny jeans, complete the 5k, call our girlfriend back within the month, and maybe walk through our living room in the dark without stepping on a My Little Pony or Frozen accessory.
These cute ponies are taking over my living room.
But I noticed something today that sort of irritated me a bit. In the office I work there are a number of super duper fit people, fit people, truly lazy folks, and everyone in between- the spectrum is wide. But those super dupers and the standard fit people were talking loudly about how crowded the gym (yes, there is a gym in my office) was going to be, how annoying it was, how these new gym go-ers weren’t going to last a month, and various other not nice things. While I understand their annoyance-we all have our routines and preferences in how we like our day to go, the conversation came off callous.
We all have the odds stacked against us when it comes to making changes in our lives and lifestyles. But the last thing any of us wants to hear is that we can’t do it or that our effort in making a change is “annoying” to people- even those that don’t know us. I realize to some, this will spur a “I’ll show you” attitude but for others it won’t, and it may even prevent them from trying because we don’t want to look like a failure.
So here is my thought, if someone has a Resolution and especially if they share it with you; be supportive.
We all have things we want to improve and with the help and encouragement of those around you, that bread basket or Diet Coke could be easier to decline.