By Randie Locke
A new year typically means new beginnings. With the start of 2023, most are eager for what is in store. Some however, are hoping to leave last year behind. If I am being honest, I was one of those people. I thought that 2022 was going to be a great year. I was so sure that I had made a vision board detailing everything I hoped to achieve. Some appeared simple, like graduating from cosmetology school and finally completing a novel idea. Others were, I admit, far-fetched, like going to Disney land without making a saving plan. Out of all the goals I put on my vision board only one came true! That’s right, one! I could say it is because I didn’t use the correct pencil or read it every day, but it’s just life. I know you are thinking: “what’s the point of setting intentions for the year if they are going to fail?” I did not get most of my goals accomplished last year, but instead of starting new ones this year, I plan to finish the goals I had set for myself. You should look at the new year as a year of completion instead of a year of beginnings. Here are some things to keep in mind for this year:
What Prevented You From Completing Your Resolutions?
People will need to remember the hurdles from last year. If you were struggling to find a new career in 2022 doesn’t mean you will have your career figured out at the start of the new year. It is easy to point out what we want for the year. We see that something is missing and make it a priority to obtain it. What we ignore is why we couldn’t receive it. You want a new career but can’t get that without returning to school. You said you would work out but got hurt because you did not learn at your own pace. Without acknowledging the hurdles, you will never figure out how to achieve your goal.
Are Your Goals Piling Up?
I look at new year’s resolutions like a pile of laundry. Sure, you can wash and dry as many baskets as you can. But folding it and putting it away is another thing. So with your resolutions, you should finish them before starting new ones. Because if you don’t, you may forget about them until it is too late. Like that one top that always gets lost, you never know when you will pick it up again. So even if it means you may have to keep the exact resolution on your list every year, you have a better chance of finishing it.
How Can I Make This Goal More Obtainable?
I am okay with wanting better for yourself. However, if you skip specific steps, the goal will be challenging. For example: let’s say you want to have one thousand dollars in your savings account. To start saving, you cut back on all spending. Instead of building a reasonable budget or trying to lower bills, you jump to the extreme. At first you do great, but then you realize that you have yet to allow room for emergencies or fun. When looking at your previous goals, take a step back and figure out how to make the goal realistic. Instead of focusing on minor details, try focusing on the overall plan. In the case of building savings, make the goal to put a certain amount of money away a month instead of focusing on the amount saved.
Why Did You Start This Resolution?
• Some resolutions are self-explanatory. For example, you could have the resolution to eat more vegetables because they are healthy. Other intentions come from places that you can’t explain. Often, our goals are driven by what we feel we need; or how we think others will perceive us. Your resolutions should center on your wellness. Wanting to get closer to the life others envy is not a healthy driving point. Is it wrong to want an extraordinary life? No. However, if you create your intentions from a place of insecurity, you will never be satisfied. If you find this true, you should get rid of it. But if the resolution will create good habits and fulfill you, it is worth keeping.
Having to admit you didn’t complete your resolutions is not easy. The shame that comes with not achieving your goals is humbling. However, if we don’t finish what we started last year, we will miss out on a transformative year. Therefore, do not look at still working on resolutions from last year as a failure; instead, you should look at it as a chance to continue what you started. After all, 2023 is the year of completion.
