Well, it’s New Year’s Eve, and we all know what’s coming; New Year’s Resolutions. But lately, it seems that there are more posts on social media about hating New Year’s Resolutions than having them. And while I get that nobody wants to do the same thing year only to fail, I’d like to just ask the question: Is it really so bad?
Why don’t people like making New Year’s Resolutions anymore?
1- You feel like it’s the same thing every year
2- You feel like you won’t do it.
3- You think that we should try to be a better person year round; so New Year’s shouldn’t be any different.
Well, those are all very valid reasons. But I’d like to respond to each.
1- If it is the same as last year’s…SO WHAT!!! That means that you either didn’t stick with it or you could have done better. So DO BETTER.
2- If you feel like you won’t do it, then you need to be more convincing to yourself.
Since when is it ok to quit aspiring to be something because of our past failures?
Lots of people aspire to be things; and often, it may seem unrealistic. But does that mean that it’s ok to discourage them? Plenty of children aspire to be athletes when they are young yet only a small handful of them every make it to the pros. That doesn’t mean that it’s ok for us to say “well, son, that’s not really in the cards for you. Let’s focus on accounting.”
3- If you think that few should just try to be a better person year round then I agree with you whole-heartedly. But what’s the harm in using the momentum of a New Year?
Here is the bottom line: Changing yourself for the good is difficult. It takes sacrifice, diligence, and fortitude. None of those come easy. So what’s the harm in using any and every reason for motivation you can?
Life is going to be hard enough on you this year. Don’t make it more difficult by shooting down your aspirations before you make them. And for the love of men, DO NOT discourage others from setting new goals to be better.
The truth is, I pity the man who enters a year with no hope to change for the good.
Luke Andrus 