The New Year is upon us. We are beginning a time where many people tend to make their resolutions to start new goals and habits. Usually our goals are not simple changes either. Why do we tend to pick the thing we really want to change and then expect for it to change overnight? I always chuckle as to why we wait for such a time for a new beginning or change in our lives. Is it just an excuse? Why January and not October? Do we know our will power will not be strong over the holidays of November and December so we justify why we should wait until all of it is over before starting again in January?
I would love to know your thoughts on this subject and here’s why. I am one of those list makers. I make goals each and every year. You see, I’ve learned the hard way. I’ve had those years where I’ve made my goals and then find on December 1st I will never be able to complete them all. So, after learning the hard way, I’ve learned to divide my yearly goals into monthly goals. I have found if you make a blanket set of goals without a real plan of follow-through you end up frustrated and feeling less than satisfactory. My monthly goals and plans have helped tremendously in this area.
How has this plan helped me in my life? I have learned I do not have to wait until January 1st of each year to start a new plan. I have too many goals to complete to all be started and finished in January. There are some that must wait until June. Some are not accomplished until October. This took me several years to be okay with accepting. This gives me freedom to know that not everything must be done at one time. I do know it is on the radar to be completed, but I don’t have an expectation of it being completed until later. The immediate expectation is gone. You know another freeing thing this has accomplished for me? There can be a new beginning at any time; at any part of my life. I don’t have to wait for a certain date or time….change can happen at any time.
If you have made New Year’s Resolutions, good for you! I hope you are able to stay strong. Good job using January as an excuse. Should you come to February and you are already failing or have not made any goals, what’s your excuse? Any time is a good time for a new beginning. No area of your life is off limits!
© 2013 Susan M. Sims
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