Every January 1st at the stroke of midnight, cries of "Happy New Year!" reverberate around the world. Confetti flies, champagne flows, lovers kiss. And after the alcohol wears off and the streets swept clean, sheets of paper are brought out and New Year's Resolutions written down. Some are kept, but (let's be honest) most are not.We're 4 days into the New Year, how well are you adhering to your resolve?
Why is it we fervently vow to change, put our intentions on paper, even shout them to the world, yet most of us can't keep our New Year's Resolutions? My theory is it's irrelevant the clock says it's January 1st, because the brain is not controlled by numbers printed on a calendar or lit up on an electronic device.
Let's face it--change is hard. If it was easy, we'd all be running around looking like VS or GQ models with Donald Trump bank accounts!
Just as "40 is the new 30,", I say the date you feel empowered to change should be your new New Year's Eve. Want to lose 10 pounds, or 50? Let the day you read an article on healthy living that inspires you or watch an episode of the Biggest Loser that brings you to tears be your new New Year's Eve. Want to bring you finances under control? The worst time to try is after the holidays when you've substantially added to the national debt. How about when you've just viewed a talk show that really hits home with your situation.
When inspiration hits, nurture it--and by all means, GO FOR IT!
My biggest New Year's Resolution started 2 years ago in August. It was the day I signed on to train for the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll (Half) Marathon. The day I decided to stop being a spectator of life and join in the race of life. The day I stopped letting fear and uncertainty keep me from attaining my goals. It was the day I started to see my dreams and ambitions begin to formalize.
This January 17th I will be racing again with about 30,000 other runners who have made the same commitment. It's a beautiful thing to see so many people embracing life and all it has to offer. Seeing people enjoying their new New Year. And instead of shouting "Happy New Year!", they're chanting GO FOR IT!
Do you make New Year's Resolutions? Or do you find it more effective to make changes throughout the year?
Are you embracing life, or letting it pass you by?
