Living Beyond Resolutions
A New Year is upon us and for many this means embarking on the tradition of setting resolutions. A short list of promises to oneself that probably fizzle out before the first blooms of spring. I have participated in them—lofty goals to read more, freshen up on foreign languages, finish a puzzle, eat less chocolate, spend more time with family, travel more, enjoy less wine, and, of course, exercise more. Today, I am in a different mindset, and I have decided to hit pause on the conventional resolutions and explore a different approach to charting a course for 2024.
Let's face it—life is busy, filled with lots of unexpected twist, turns, and straight up halts. The daily grind doesn’t pause just because the calendar flips to January. And though resolutions might give us a brief burst of motivation, the real test lies in how we manage the unexpected bumps, detours, and downright curveballs that life so generously hurls our way. We have a saying in our family—"sometimes you get the Bair, and sometimes the Bair gets you” (Bair is a person, but it works either way). Which ultimately means-- you may not achieve victory every day, but you persevere, living to fight on another day with hope for what lies ahead.
So, instead of crafting a list of well-intentioned resolutions that may fizzle out faster than a New Year's Eve sparkler, I'm opting for a more laid-back approach—a toolkit for navigating the unpredictable journey that is 2024. I live in the mindset that every day brings with it the promise of a “New Years Day” and endless possibilities. Here are some meaningful practices that may shift your focus to what really matters—the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change.
Bucket List:
Why box yourself into resolutions when you can embrace the freedom of a Bucket List? Think of it as a collection of adventures, experiences, and dreams that reflect the uniqueness of your journey. No pressure, just a canvas for the extraordinary to do at some point.
Hope List:
Resolutions can feel like self-imposed rules, but hope—now that's liberating. What are the things that ignite your passion? What brings you joy? What are you curious about? By visualizing your hopes, you'll not only set positive intentions but also cultivate a sense of purpose to live in the sheer joy of possibility.
Gratitude Exercise:
Ground yourself in the present by practicing gratitude. In the grind, it's easy to overlook the small victories and everyday joys. Enter the Gratitude Exercise—a simple practice of reflecting on the things you're thankful for. I have a notebook dedicated to this practice. I believe what you focus your mind on is the direction you take your life towards. Finding the win of a day in a sea of challenges, no matter how small, can be powerful in steering your life in a positive direction.
Monthly Theme List:
Break down the year into manageable chapters with a Monthly Theme List. Each month gets its own focus—self-care, learning, adventure, connection, or whatever floats your boat. Or skip the theme altogether and just focus on what you want to accomplish during the month. Either way, flexibility meets intention, allowing you to adapt your goals to the changing tides.
SMART Goal List:
If you're into structure, try the SMART Goal List. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals keep you on track without rigidity and stress. This method ensures your objectives are well-defined and realistic, making them more attainable and easier to track.
Personal Mission Statement:
Skip the lists altogether, and instead, craft a Personal Mission Statement. What impact do you want to make? What values guide your journey? It serves as your compass throughout the year.
Premortem Analysis:
Now, this one isn’t what you think. This planning is a way to identify from the start where you may steer off course with your intentions. It is new to me, but I like it—think of ways you might fail in 2024 or with a specific plan. Why? Because life happens, and when you contemplate challenges from the beginning, you can strategize on how you can overcome them. What are the challenges in this New Year or month? How can I fail? What can I do to fix it? Maybe you reflect on 2023 and apply it to the New Year. What was my biggest failure? What did I learn? Now, you are in the mindset to overcome something you felt held you back. That, to me, is powerful for a New Year, month, and day.
I am going to roll a few of these together—I like focusing on a month, with hope, and embracing failures from the start. Winston Churchill once said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." It is a reminder that success is not a destination but a journey. As we step into 2024, let's embrace the fluidity of life— acknowledging that each day is a blend of hopes and challenges. The real magic lies in our courage and ability to change course when things don't go as planned, allowing us to begin anew. Cheers to a year of adaptability, spontaneity, and the delightful chaos that makes life beautifully unpredictable. Happy New Year!
Written by: Natalie Worthan, Founder