An Alternative To New Year’s Resolutions.
Tags: Self Improvement, New Years Resolutions, Journaling, Self Growth, Resolutions

An Alternative To New Year’s Resolutions.

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I hate making New Year’s Resolutions, firstly because everyone asks you what your New Year’s resolutions are and I hate it because I know I will not stick to mine no matter what it is. Of course everyone makes resolutions with good intent, but they never quite work. So, for the last two years I decided to try something different. Instead of a resolution I would choose a quote or words to live by. In 2018 I started the year by writing the serenity prayer in my journal which was written by American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference”

I made myself refer back to this regularly throughout the year and you know what? it really helped me to change what I could.

This year instead of a quote or prayer I used the Eisenhower Matrix. The Eisenhower matrix was created by Dwight David Eisenhower an American Army general and statesman. It also features in the highly successful book by Stephen Covey “The 7 Habits Of Highly Successful People” I knew this year was going to be busy for me so I needed something to focus on that was simple and effective. The matrix is basically a tool to help you decide what you really need to spend your time on, what is urgent and not urgent and what is important and not important. I don’t think I could have got through this year without it and I think this is better than setting resolutions each year. I’m thinking for next year to have a song I can listen to keep me motivated and empowered.

If You Do Not Like Making New Year’s Resolutions DO NOT MAKE THEM!

A lternatives To Making New Year’s Resolutions:

Find a quote. Everybody knows of a quote or one they really like. Browse google, pinterest or instagram for a quote of what ideally you would like to get out of the year.

Find a prayer or words to live by. There are some simple and effective prayers whether you are religious or not and there are so many inspirational authors around the world from Maya Angelou, Dalai Lama to authors such as Mark Manson (The Subtle art of Not Giving A F**K)

Find a Movie line you love and could live by. There are an abundance of lines you could use from some of your favorite movies. From classic movies to Star Wars, Yoda could provide you with a line you could actually live by. Watch your favorite movies and see what resonates with you.

Find a song as your theme or lyrics to live by. From empowering to inspirational there are so many songs to choose from. You could either quote the lyrics and use them or literally play a song regularly throughout the year to keep you motivated and on track. Ciara’s song “Level Up” or Maybe you prefer a classic song like Survivor Eye of the Tiger. Whatever you choose is entirely up to you and the music you like and if you feel it needs to change half way through the year then change it. Not making New Year’s resolutions gives you the freedom to not follow the crowd and go with what you want to start the new year with.

If you don’t know what to do then wait it out see how you feel. If you are into synchronicity or the law of attraction you can simply ask the universe for a sign and see what comes along. You never know it could be a friend or a stranger that provides the deep meaningful words to start the new year with.