For many years I have not made any new year’s resolutions.
The reason is simple. They fade very, very quickly leaving behind the feeling of failure.
In January, the gyms are full of new people and shiny new resolutions.
In March, not quite so much.
In July….well… it is summer after all!
Feeling like a failure is not a good feeling.
But lately, I have been thinking about the concept behind Living by Littles as it could apply to making New Year’s resolutions.
What if I took one worthy new year’s resolution and applied one little thing toward achieving that resolution? What would it look like at the end of a year?
One common resolution is losing weight. One little thing might be to reduce or cut out snacking.
Another resolution is often practicing a healthier lifestyle. One little thing? Walking!
A quick Google search tells me that there are many people who decide they need to save more / spend less money. What is one little thing that might help achieve this goal?
The possibilities are endless!
Now, a year seems like a long, long time. But what if I did that one little thing for one little day? Could I do it? Could you do it? Really, I think even I could commit to one little thing for one little day.
But what if on any given day I fail? Well, then I fail for one day only.
Tomorrow is a new beginning and I can try again.
Maybe it shouldn’t be a new year’s resolution. Maybe it should be a new day’s resolution.
The beginning of a new year seems like a great time to make a fresh start. But if you fail by January 3rd, there are 362 days before there is an opportunity for another new beginning. (Assuming I am counting correctly!)
By contrast, when failing at 9:30 a.m. on a new day’s resolution, there is less than a 24-hour waiting period before an opportunity for a new beginning exists.
When looking at a new year’s resolution from that perspective, I have decided to give it a go.
On January 1st, I will begin my new journey.
The commitment will be for one day for one little thing.
On January 2nd, I will repeat the process.
On December 31st, I will let you know how it went.
Will you join me in making a New Day’s Resolution?
We may be on to something.
Happy New Day!
(And New Year too!)
photo credit: (c)canstockphotoInc./mflippo
Love love love this blog. I also hate the feeling of failure when I don’t stick to it so I will do what you suggested and take it a day at a time. Haven’t decided what yet but I am leaving toward stretching. Taking the time to stretch will help my body in my profession and breastfeeding.
So glad you like the blog! Stretching is a great choice. Keep me updated!
This is great! I have felt like that in my prayer life and then pastor said try praying for one minute . Anyone can pray for one minute right?! I am excited for my “new day”!!
I’m glad you liked it! Keep me updated.