So we are about one week into the New Year, and according to statistics, close to a third of us have already backed out of whatever resolutions we made this year. In fact, close to half of us make and fail in our resolutions every year. Yet we continue to make them. Every. Year.
And each year we sing ourselves the same song that this year will be different. That this is the year we will finally go the gym and say no to chocolate. That this is the year we will spend less time on social media. That this is the year we will get more sleep. That this is the year that blah blah blah.
And each year, by the end of the year, only about 10% of us who made resolutions back in January feel successful come December. So what happens? What happens throughout the year that prevented the fact that this was our year for change?
Excuses happen. We become too busy to go to the gym. We really need to check Twitter. We really need to stay up late working on a project. Life happens. But here’s the thing, yeah life happens, but did we really expect it not to? Did we really think that these changes we wanted in our life would come without any real, hard efforts on our part?
Because if it was that easy, these changes probably would have happened already. So this year my resolution isn't my normal "go to the gym more" and "eat more greens." Instead, it can pretty much be summed up by one word: anyway. This year I want to be an “anyway” kind of person.
Meaning that despite whatever is going on in normal, crazy, hectic life, you push forward anyway.
Because there are going to be days when getting your butt in the gym seems impossible; go anyway.
Or tests that I feel like no matter how hard you study all you will be able to swing is a C; study anyway.
Or when it feels like all your hard work goes unnoticed; work hard anyway.
Or on days when it feels impossible to hold yourself together; be good anyway.
And no, this does not mean that this year has to be filled with success and sunshine and rainbows. That this will be a year with no bad days. Instead what I hope it to mean is that this year is a year of being good when it isn’t easy. Smiling instead of frowning. Being a light for other people. Because let’s face it – when we see someone really going after what they want, despite the obstacles in their way, it’s pretty damn inspiring. Be THAT person for others.
Be an “anyway” kind of person this year.