Did you know that the goal-driven tradition of setting New Year’s Resolutions occurred in different forms throughout history? The ancient Babylonians celebrated the New Year with the festival of Akitu. During this 12day festival a new king was crowned, and affirmations of loyalty were declared. They also held ritual ceremonies where they declared their covenant of humanity to the gods.
In western civilization, the desire to start afresh was also a tradition. John Wesley invented a new type of church service called Covenant Renewal Services, or as many may be more familiar with, watch night services. These were an alternative to holiday partying. Today, these services are often held on New Year’s Eve and participants sing, pray, reflect on the year, and renew their covenant with God.
New Year’s resolutions have become a secular tradition, and most Americans who make them now focus on self-improvement and empowerment. Some typical resolutions include plans to lose weight, eat healthier, save more money, spend more time with family, or being a better person.
You’re in good company if these resolutions are on your list. Although I stopped making resolutions many years ago, I commend individuals for taking the first step towards improvement.
The fact that you desire to make changes indicates that you would like to improve something about your life, and you yourself are admirable. Sadly, most of these well-intentioned decrees will be abandoned shortly after the new year begins.
Why shouldn’t we make new year’s resolutions? Why wait until Jan. 1 to begin living our best lives and making them better? People tend to think of making resolutions as an event. I am all for setting goals to improve personally, financially, and spiritually but adjusting and adapting accordingly should be done daily. Luckily, there are many things that you can do to reach your goals without making resolutions.
Focus on the process instead of the event. Decide what you want, take the time to implement the simple things that you can do immediately, and do something daily towards reaching your overall goal. It’s also important to perform self-evaluations often and reflect to identify opportunities for improvement.
No matter when you set goals, make resolutions, or recite affirmations, the important thing is you must start. A few tips that can help you reach your goals and be successful include stay focused, avoid procrastination, determine what motivates you, and include more fun and play in your life. A healthy balance is important.
As we say farewell to 2022 and hello to 2023, I wish each of you ENOUGH. In the words of Bob Perks, “I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all you possess. I wish you enough ‘Hellos’ to get through the final ‘Goodbye.’
Happy New Year! May 2023 bring you everything that you desire one resolution or goal at a time.
Dr. Starnes is the CEO of Starnes Education and Consulting Firm and Realtor with eXp Realty. She holds a Doctor in Business and serves as an adjunct professor at Valencia College. She is an enthusiastic advocate for people and a change agent for community stakeholders and partners.
