The New Year — New Me Perspective
By: Jennifer Marie
Tags: Happiness, Goals, Resolutions, Self Improvement, Life Lessons

People are already thinking about their resolutions for the new year. Many have already started to plan their goals that will help to create the best 2021 imaginable. Why do we do this to ourselves?

Why do we insist on waiting for happiness as if it is something that we can truly plan — as if these mostly unattainable goals will truly make us more secure people?

The reality is this — we do not need to wait on the elusive new year to begin — we can choose to start exactly where we are in this moment.

Did you know that more than 60% of Americans make a New Year’s Resolution each year? Well, it’s true — as the new year creeps into view it is natural to become eager for a fresh transformation, but the problem arises when this excitement fades due to a lack of self-discipline according to Clinical Psychologist Joseph J. Luciani, Ph. D.

Only 8% of Americans actually follow through on their New Year’s resolutions and based on studies, Luciani says that 80% of those fail by the time February rolls around.

I challenge you to find the best you now, to stop waiting on a calendar to determine when you allow yourself to make resolutions for your life.

Stop giving yourself a reason to be disappointed due to self sabotage. You have every reason to take control of your destiny and waiting is no longer acceptable if you truly want to be happy.

Delight in the simple pleasures. These are the gifts that keep on giving and the ones you should revel in day in and day out — silly jokes, best friends, long walks, precious memories, sunrises, sunsets, star-filled nights — these are the things that feed your soul. Forget about your goals, think about your purpose. Most people just want to be part of something greater than themselves and there are so many ways to do this — volunteer at an animal shelter or homeless shelter, sponsor a family for Christmas, buy a meal for a random person, bake cookies for your neighbor. I truly believe that if you involve yourself in activities that contribute to the well-being of humanity that you will in turn feel better in your own life. Accept the good things. No one has a perfect life. It is important to remember that and hold tight to the aspects of your life that are worthwhile. It can be difficult to see the good when the bad seeps through to cast its ugly shadow so focus on those moments of joy — even the small ones. Do things that you love. You have to make time for yourself — paint a picture, go for a hike, watch a movie, read a book or write one, bake a cake, plant a garden, go fishing — just focus on yourself every once in a while, you deserve it. Live for today. Remember that tomorrow isn’t promised and yesterday is over. It is imperative to avoid fixation on past failures and choose to live in the present. You honestly have no way of knowing what will happen next, so what is the point of worrying? Let go of past regrets and do not spend too much time looking toward the future because all this does is allow added stress in your life. Live in the beauty of today and enjoy every moment you can.

Beginning your year without the added pressure of New Year’s resolutions can be liberating. I challenge you to free yourself from the angst and just live your life. The best version of yourself is one that finds solace in your own happiness — you do not have to wait on a new year for that.

10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…Happy NEW YOU! Cheers to your happiness — I truly hope you find it.