From random fireworks going off all day to the intensity of fireworks everywhere at midnight -the New Year "started off with a bang" as always. Wherever you were, whatever you did - I hope you had an amazing time - filled with joy and love.
As I stared into the night's sky with fireworks illuminating the darkness, I thoroughly enjoyed the shrieks and bangs and the light show. I was truly in the moment. The last thing on my mind was resolutions - it was a night for fun.
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Resolutions and self-reflection
By now, people have most likely made 2023 resolutions as it's a custom for this secular landmark and it's favoured by many. The list can be long or short and it is happily made - maybe in drunken stupor or excitement from the celebrations. For some though, it might be fervently made after praise and thanksgiving with other churchgoers.
Resolutions can be a good - proving to be motivational as one reflects on the past year and set new goals. For some though, it can be stressful. If the annual goals are too lofty and nothing got done - one then feels unaccomplished and frustrated when looking back.
Nevertheless, self reflection is a good thing. We might just realise that we are doing just fine. That there are things we are doing great. Isn't that lovely?
Resolutions are often unrealistic or too many. Not many people can change quickly as habits are hardwired in our brains and are tough to break. Sometimes people put too much pressure on themselves. If/when failure occurs, some people will feel like a loser leaving them feeling worse than before.
Here is a list of the top 8 resolutions (which might be similar in countries other than the US):
source
Over the last few years the world seemed to have gone from crisis to crisis. After the covid crisis, it is not surprising that the top 3 resolutions focuses on health and wellness. Additionally, due to the recent inflationary year, saving money ranks high on the list. It is closely followed by spending more time with family and friends which cannot be taken for granted after the lockdowns.
Simply put resolutions are usually promises we make to ourselves in order to do good things in the new year. We could make it easy by trying this approach.
The Stop/Start/ Continue method - is simple, easy and very effective and as a result a very impactful and powerful method.
So what does it entail. We can ask ourselves:
a. what did we do that was not so good - STOP it
b. what didn't we do that would be good to do - START doing it
c. what are we doing that is good to keep doing - CONTINUE it
It is this easy! This model can be used to request or provide feedback and can be applied in businesses and relationships. This method can be used throughout the year. It might be easier for some than using a one year timeframe.
This is an alternative approach - it is not for everyone. Some people will make resolutions and accomplish them if they are accompanied with a well thought-out plan.
Maybe we do not need to be too rigid about resolutions. Maybe the way we start the year can tell us all we need to know. Everyone most likely started the year having a great time with loved ones or a community - if one went to church.
This could be a great reminder of who and what is important to us - spending time with people we love and doing things that we enjoy doing. Maybe that is a hint for resolutions for the year. This might be a route for some. We will all choose what resonates with us. What do you think?
Change is good but we should not be too harsh on ourselves. Let's always strive to be the best version of ourselves; if that means setting "SMART goals" or just "chilling" with love ones - then so be it.
Let's do things in our own way and our own stride.
Most of all let's love and enjoy ourselves!!.
Sittard Market square
All photos are my own.
