The end of each year brings talk of resolutions and how to make this year a better year than the last. I have never been one for resolutions. I believe if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing yesterday. Even a little progress each day towards a goal is a better outcome than thinking about something every day and not moving forward.
Want to write a book? Write a few sentences today. Tomorrow, write a few more. Each day, you’ll have more progress than you did the day before and certainly more than before you started. Don’t wait until the start of a new year or a month dedicated to writing.
Want to lose weight? Start writing down what you’re putting into your mouth today. You’d be surprised at the different decisions you make as soon as you pay attention to what you’re eating.
Want to spend more time with your family? Put down the devices and go outside to play. Having a hard time connecting with your kids? Pack them all up and take a drive – right now – and keep all phones and electronics shut off. Somehow, knowing that everyone is focused on the scenery, driving, or other distractions make it easier to have conversations than sitting staring at each other on the couch.
This holiday season, I decided to spend my vacation connecting with my family and take a break from online communication. I refused to bring my laptop with me and I even disconnected my smartphone from work email. So why is she online, you might be asking yourself. I’m breaking my own rule for a few minutes because I have to get online and register for our flights and the timing needs to be exact. Then it’s back to paying attention to what’s most important.
If I had my head in my smartphone or laptop this morning, I might have missed the hot air balloon that’s currently skimming the ridge line of the Sierra’s. Or I may have been distracted from my son’s wonderful smile when I snuck him a piece of chocolate after breakfast (we are on vacation). What might you be missing that you want to change? What do you want to be able to say you’ve accomplished when you look back on your life? It doesn’t take a special day or a resolution. It takes a decision. Today. To do something different.
Have a safe and wonderful New Year’s celebration and I wish you all the best in achieving whatever goals you have set for yourself. For today and the coming year.
