A new year is a good time to turn over a new leaf, make goals, start a new habit. What are you starting in 2024?
It’s December 31st, the very last day of the year. Tonight (or tomorrow) we celebrate in lots of ways to bring us luck in the new year. If you are in Spain, you will eat twelve grapes to bring prosperity in the new year. In Georgia, there will be black eyed peas and collard greens on many tables. I like the traditions that come with the new year and being able to “start fresh”.
Do you make New year’s resolutions? Do you keep them? Research says that only 9% of people that make them actually follow through the entire year. 43% give up before the end of January. Are you in the “make and break” camp or in the “follow through” group?
People tend to make unrealistic resolutions (or goals) for the year and then get disappointed when it isn’t immediate and then get discouraged. My first student teacher used to ask the students “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” I loved her fresh take with our students and I have never forgotten that. She isn’t wrong. The trick is to make a resolution/goal “bite sized” so that you can accomplish it.
For 2023, I made a fitness goal of using resistance bands every other day. A quick 7-10 minute routine in the morning. Fast enough for me to do and not everyday so I would not get bored. 12 months later, I have a lot more muscle than I did when I started and my muscles don’t hurt anymore when I do the exercises. (I know, time to switch it up!) The point is, I knew I wouldn’t finish a 30+ minutes of exercise each morning, so I made it doable.
For 2024, on the top of my list is consistent blog writing each week, a new fitness routine to try, taking a class that interests me, meeting new people, and working on my spiritual life. It sounds like a lot, but to paraphrase Einstein, it’s insane to keep doing the same thing and expecting different results.
I’m excited about the new adventures, people, and opportunities that God will bring into my life this coming year. If you make a goal or set a resolution and it doesn’t go well one day, start again the next. Each day can be a fresh start if needed. Progress is what counts, not perfection.
God brought me several great surprises this year, more are coming in 2024. Join me, set a resolution or goal and see where it takes you! It’s going to be amazing!
