Many of us make New Year’s resolutions year after year. Why do we wait for a New Year to make positive changes? And how many of us succeed? A recent poll found 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, 46% of resolutions are kept for at least six months, and 5% keep their resolution the entire year. You can make today matter by implementing some self-improvement no matter what time of year it is!
Procrastination is alive and well each year; it does not wait another year to come creeping back. So where do we start?
We start TODAY. Choose one thing today that you want to improve upon.
Today I will …
- Be the best version of me
- Share a kind word with another
- Laugh
- Eat one less bag of candy
- Not dwell on the past
Each day, choose to be a better you. Reward yourself along the way for achieving your goals.
Know that there will be days with struggles that are difficult to navigate through. It is in those times you allow yourself to not give in or give up, but to forgive yourself – you deserve it.
Forgiveness for not accomplishing a task, for not eating healthy, for not exercising. Forgive yourself for not being and doing your best. Yesterday is gone; we cannot go back. It is key to be patient with yourself. No one is perfect; perfect exists only within the definition. Make a note of the triggers that set you back and vow to learn from them. Start today with telling yourself you’re worth it, because you are.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? … And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson
Start today by finding one thing to be grateful or thankful for. It could be friends, family, health, a roof over your head, even coffee.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to work with youth who had been traumatized. One afternoon a young lady walked into my office who had stopped by before. Each time she stopped in I would ask her how she was feeling. I would hold my glass of coffee up and ask her, “Is the glass half full or half empty?” On previous visits she had answered with “it’s half empty” and would explain why. On this day she had a different answer: “I’m thankful to have the glass and anything in it.” Her response moved me. With everything life had handed this young woman, she had every right to be less than optimistic or grateful. She chose to be brave, to be positive, and to move though this day with a new perspective.
We can all learn something from this young lady. As a new day begins, look through a fresh set of lenses and with a new perspective. We choose how we will respond to today’s trials and tribulations. So, as you move through today, and the days to come, what will and can you do for yourself to become a better you?
You do not have to wait for a New Year. The opportunity to make today matter is here right now.
