Happy. New. Year.

Really, I mean it! I know that it can certainly feel a bit of an empty greeting sometimes, but for me I really do believe it.

Sure, I’m a virgo who LOVES a to-do list and starting from a clean slate, right? But that’s what January 1st brings to me! It’s the ultimate clean slate! The #1 fresh start that you can use for you and only you.

And here’s the thing, I get it. I’ve heard New Year’s resolutions list after New Year’s resolutions list, and I’ve even tried it myself many, many, (many) times.

Which, ultimately, is why I love the start of this year that much more. Because I’ve got my New Year’s resolutions, but this time they’re different, and I know I can make them happen.

A Resolution On Perspective

For me, I’ve always created the New Year’s Resolutions of working out more, or actually putting down my phone and reading books for a change, just for example. But in the end, I find excuses to “start tomorrow” until I just give up altogether.

And for me, I think it’s because I’m setting myself up to fail. I keep putting myself in this rut, that I know I will fall into again and again. Especially within the very weird (to put it lightly) landscape our society is in currently.

So! The remedy to that took a minute to be realized, but as soon as it did I was like why didn’t I think of this before? It’s not a matter of focusing on the product, but the process.

As a theater-maker by trade, I learned that that was where the magic happens, and the real growth is manifested. So why not apply that to my resolutions!

And without further adieu, here are my new and improved new year’s resolutions that I made, that I think are perfect for anyone.

New Year’s Resolutions For Anyone

Find Time For Presence and Breath

I originally wanted to say “PUT YOURSELF FIRST” because I certainly am guilty of putting the needs of others first and foremost in my life and leaving my own wants and needs behind. But, I think that this encompasses that, for those who might need that kick in the pants like I do and those that don’t.

Find small moments of time throughout your day where you can stop (literally and physically) and breathe and think about your day. Maybe use this time at the end of the day when you reflect or maybe it’s for the morning as you get going.

But finding time to be present in the moment will help you re-assess your work for yourself and your work for others. And it is just a good time to give your body a quick break so you can stay at your best.

Reach For A Process, Instead Of A Definitive Goal

For the longest time I’ve had issues with going to the gym. It’s tough, it’s vulnerable, and it can get seemingly in the way. But I was focusing on end goals, losing weight, fitting into clothing, rather than actually looking at the bigger picture.

Think of the process and how it can help you over all in life instead of just one benchmark. It’s helped me be a little easier on myself and strive for longer term wellness as opposed to one goal, and then quickly stopping.

Engage With What Is Uncomfortable

This one is a bit different than the other two, but for me is one that I find important. In a world of social media we all find ourselves shouting into our own personally curated echo chambers. I personally have been on Facebook since 2006 so I CERTAINLY can relate to this.

And I’m not saying to go to some extremist and have a coffee and chat with them (though I’ll admit I’m very interested in being a fly on the wall there) but what I am saying is do research into “why” other people might have different beliefs.

Look at why they believe those things and try to understand their perspective. No one human can be boiled down to a Facebook status, and we’re all deserving of understanding why we have the complexities that we have, and that’s what makes humanity so fascinating!

You’re Already Doing It!

In the end, if you’re striving to just be a better person, you’re already doing it! You’re already working towards goals that should be celebrated. And that, I think, is what’s most important at the start of any new year, new month, or new week even. Also, drinking more water, but maybe that’s just me.

Congratulations to you! And cheers to a happy 2022! 🥳