What Do New Year Resolutions Mean to you?

2021 has packed it's bags, tipped its hat, waved goodbye and left us behind to never see us again. It was a year full of ups and downs, achievements and disappointments as well. That last sentence is basically the subject of this piece: ups and downs,and achievements and disappointments. To be clear, I'd like to touch on the subject of " New Year Resolutions". Personally I stopped believing in the infamous Resolutions due to the fact I lacked the discipline to stick with them. I don't want anyone who's reading this to misunderstand me not believing in New Year Resolutions is my personal view and mine alone. Furthermore I would like to express that you should always stick to your beliefs no matter what's written here or anyone else has to say.

"New Year,New Me,New Attitude"

At some point we've all said this one way or another with the previous years that passed with record speed. We've all attempted to change ourselves, the way we view the world, and the way we interact with other people. Some for the better and some for the worst. As people we are not born with switches on our backs that we can just flip on and off whenever we feel like it. I really do believe we all just want to be good people, but the problem is the concept of "Good" changes from person to person. Another flaw I see with "The New Me New Attitude '' is that invisible switch people seem to think they have on their backs. People can't just turn off years of whatever it is that puts them in the position of wanting such a dramatic change in the first place. Change takes time and effort, not some world wild countdown,a glass of champagne, and a kiss. I guess what I'm trying to say is change is possible but not overnight. If they try to change the person they are overnight I feel they will have a very difficult time maintaining that change throughout the year.

"Broken Promises"

Back when I was active in the resolution game I wasn't mentally nor physically prepared to maintain whatever resolution I made on Jan 1 00:00. Far too often I find myself right back on square 1 not even halfway through the year. I remember one New Year's eve I looked back on the previous years I've made these so-called resolutions and I was disappointed with myself. The reason for my disappointment was because I felt like I've broken so many promises I've made for myself from the previous years. There's nothing more frustrating if not annoying than to take a long look at yourself and situation and not see the results of said resolutions. I view broken promises as a form of betrayal or back stabbing ,so to do it to myself is just disappointing to say the least. If you are going to make a resolution for 2022 keep in mind that you are making a promise to yourself. I would like to ask that you approach your self promise this way. When you make a promise to someone you love you would jump through hoops and possibly walk through fire to keep that promise. I trust that you love yourself so consider jumping through those hoops and walking through that fire to keep that promise. Being that you made that promise to yourself it's actually going to be the hardest to keep, so mental and physical fortitude is going to be very important.

"Old Life Old Ways"

I feel that the biggest resolution killer is a combination of old life,old ways,and old habits. Well to be honest oldlife, old ways ,and old habits can be one in the same. Allow me to rephrase that "I feel that the biggest resolution killer can be your old life". Now let's be clear your old life could be absolutely great and there's nothing wrong with that. The message in this particular segment is to point out the fact that your old life is the familiar, the great comfort, or it's what you know. When the ball drops and the clock strikes 0 you make that resolution and it feels good to say "I'm going to make this change starting now". The only problem is if you're going to introduce something new in your life you have to do away with something old in your life that may interfere with progress. That old habit that you're so used to will creep its way back into your life if you're not actively eliminating that old habit. I'm extremely guilty of this which is why resolutions have never really worked for me.

"Conclusion"

There's nothing wrong with having a New Year's Resolution. There's nothing wrong with wanting to change. There's nothing wrong with wanting something different. Just keep your focus on the result of the area in which you want to change. Take your time and remain patient, be vigilant in your resolution and you'll eventually see results.

T.L.ARNOLD