2023 is coming to a close, and we are only hours away from 2024. It is time to reset the calendar!
December 31st is the perfect time to reflect on the last 364 days and to look forward to the ones ahead. Evaluate what habits we want to keep, what new hobbies we want to pick up, what things we want to leave behind, and what new goals we must strive for.
Without reflection and intentional self-evaluation, there is no growth in life. An improvement will only be made if we commit ourselves to achieving goals.
It can seem daunting to look at the details in your life and figure out how to improve. Oftentimes, we make New Year's resolutions that are never fully met. It has actually been found by researchers that “only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January.”
So, what do we do? Ditch all hope in positively changing our lives? No! Do not get discouraged! Together, we can find a way that works. If you are one of the 91% who has not completed your New Year’s Resolution (I end up in this category too often), let's try something else. Let me encourage a new approach. Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, choose a word. One word that you are committed to for the year.
This word is meant to help improve your approach to life. Perhaps your word will challenge you, change your perspective, or even teach you a lesson. The word you choose is the essence of what you are striving for in life.
“Instead of a rigid resolution, a word of the year is your constant, yet gentle, reminder to focus on creating positive change.” (Elizabeth Rider)
Write this word places you will see it. Create a wallpaper for your phone with your word written across it. Journal about your word. Commit to it. Take the time to brainstorm how you can implement it into your daily routine. Don’t forget it.
What is your word?