I’m not sure about you, but after nearly a month, my New Year’s resolutions are all still intact.
Of course, I didn’t make any—but that’s not the point.
The point is, when you don’t create expectations, you can never be let down, right? Think about it. If you write out a huge list of things you’d like to accomplish in the upcoming year, or maybe you take the I want to quit route, how successful is that outcome with one day of preparation after a night of binge drinking? Then add a full day of football and you’ve got yourself a lose/lose situation as far as the resolutions arena is concerned.
Football equals tacos. Tacos equal beer. And both equal an oops on the resolution list.
Let’s be honest, resolutions are not a once a year thought that seeps into the brain and says, hey, I’m going to stop drinking, after at least two daily intakes every day for the past thirty years. How about dieting? You spent the past 365 days eating greasy take out, your stomach lining is full of gaps, your belly button is no longer visible, and you think a salad or two on January 2nd is going to solve all your problems?
Realistically, you’re only setting yourself up for failure.
Resolutions are a year-long trial and error process. To write, I’m getting a better paying job this year doesn’t occur because you wrote it on the 1st. The follow through is far more difficult to make it happen. You have to take the time to update your resume, fill out all those annoying questions on the career website, network outside your comfort zone, and smile more.
And this is why I didn’t make a resolution this year. I’m not quitting smoking because I’m not a quitter. I refuse to give up drinking because I’m a successful drunk. I’m not eliminating carbs out of my life. Seriously, what’s a burger without the bun, but a piece of meatloaf. Gross! And everyone needs some crispy fries occasionally.
Instead of writing my usual, Make a million dollars resolution, or My work will get published, I chose the alternative—not stressing over what’s out of my control. If it happens that some bigwig publisher likes my writing, cool. If not, I’m not crying about it any longer.
I’ll continue my pledge in becoming an expert of my craft. I’ll persist in writing many fantastical stories in hopes some publisher out there might actually want to buy some of my words. That’s not a resolution; it’s called hard work and the results aren’t always fun. But I truck on.
So, if you’re feeling sad that the thirteen items on your New Year’s resolution list have already failed, I’d suggest to try again tomorrow. Don’t beat yourself up about failing on Monday when Tuesday might bring greater success. If Wednesday sucked, make Thursday your day. I highly recommend to stay far away from Friday as your go-to day because Saturdays are more realistic. Know thyself.
You made those silly lists for a reason. Keep going. Keep fighting. You got this.