New Years Resolutions are something that I feel set me up for failure.
It's just another night . . . just another day, yet it is so symbolic. In the past I've referred to the upcoming new year as a new chapter in a book.
Rather than set unrealistic goals and promises to myself, I like to take a look at the year about to end.
What did I like about it?
What did I hate about it?
What would I change if I could?
It is also a good time to assess the daily routine and contemplate making it better. Streamline the process . . . reminds me of the TQM business management philosophy taught by one of the best friends I have ever had, a professor I worked for many years. I'll never forget his take on incorporating TQM (total quality management) into daily life. It is all about continual improvement . . . that is what I always strive for.
The new years resolution posts are all over the blogs this morning with the typical lists of unrealistic goals . . . lose weight, quit smoking . . . blah blah blah. Wonder what the scientific percentage is of those who actually stick to a new years resolution all the way to next Christmas?
Some of the topics I really liked for consideration in my life . . . some I already do, but need to change the way I approach it.
Identify the one thing that you can accomplish in 2011 which would allow you to call the year a success.
Keep a journal . . . be grateful about 5 simple pleasures every day . . . adopt the Simple Abundance lifestyle. (I used to do this in a public blog that is now closed, but got away from it even though I am aware daily . . . but I need to get back to writing it down. It helps to look back.) The journal is like a conversation within yourself, discussing your feelings on topics of interest to you. It is the ultimate ramble post . . .
Make a list of 10 simple pleasures you can incorporate into your life on a regular basis. Examples . . . sitting out on the porch drinking flavored coffee in your favorite mug, visiting the park at least once a week to enjoy nature, give yourself spa days and pamper yourself . . . this one goes along with the journal, where you can discover what that simple pleasures are . . . if you ask yourself the right questions.
I love this one . . . Write down the names of 5 people you admire, whether you know them or not, and then write down why you admire them. Write down what you can do to acquire the traits or characteristics that you admire about these people.
My biggest challenge . . . Go through each room of your house and make a list of 10 items for each room which are currently cluttering up your home. Get rid of them . . . or give them a new purpose!
The ongoing philosophy of my life is to focus on the quality of my life . . . and figuring out what it takes to make it the best it can be for me. It isn't something that happens at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve . . . it all happens for me through incremental changes throughout the year . . . and throughout my life.
How about you?
Do you make New Year Resolutions?
Do you usually stick to them?
