New Year Wishes not Resolutions
A Happy New Year to everyone!
I was a little worried at the end of 2012: it was such an amazing year for me, how could 2013 possibly come close? But it's quite simple - it's entirely up to me to make 2013 even better than 2012. If I sit back passively and see what the year brings, then it's never going to live up to last year. If I take it by the scruff of the neck, decide exactly what I want out of it, and drag it kicking and screaming out of mediocrity, it'll be one hell of a year!
Of course now is the time when New Years' resolutions abound, and I'm dreading the January joiners in the gym on Saturday. I certainly wish them the best of luck and hope they can find what works for them long term, but really New Year resolutions just look at the whole thing backwards. It's about jumping in feet first to change your life and asking for a belly flop.
Instead, I think New Year wishes are where it's at and the principle is simple. No need to decide what you want to achieve because you already know. Simply write down a list of what you really wish for this year (and this year only). Next, decide why you want those things (and write that down too if you want). Finally, decide if the reasons you've given yourself is enough motivation to see you through the tough times. If not, perhaps you need to find a better reason. Or perhaps you can strike it off your list because it's not something you want badly enough to work at when the going gets tough. That's ok, it's all ok. No-one's going to judge you for not really wanting the things you thought you wanted because you don't have to show anyone your list.
You can begin to tell people about your plans once you've worked out your motivations, and followed them with small, step-by-step goals to get there. There are plenty of resources on how to make good goals and follow them through. But I always maintain that without the original motivation coming from deep within you, you might as well quit two days after you've started.
I'll tell you a secret: I felt daunted to start blogging again after Christmas. But my motivation is to see where this blog takes me and that's enough of a draw to put fingers to keyboard despite the fear. If you found it useful, I'm pleased. I certainly have.