New Year, New Resolutions.
How January Affects Our Relationship with Change.
I always find January to be a bit of a mixed bag.
On the one hand, it’s a fresh start and a new year full of potential and possibility. But on the other hand, it can be a tough month weather-wise (at least in my part of the world) with cold temperatures and often gloomy days. It’s also a time when many people are trying to stick to resolutions and make changes in their lives, which can be challenging.
Resolutions are promises or commitments that an individual makes to themselves, usually at the start of a new year, to make positive changes or improvements in their life. These changes may be related to personal goals, such as improving physical or mental health, or professional goals, such as advancing in a career or starting a new business. Resolutions are often made with the intention of creating a better or more fulfilling life for oneself.
I find it interesting that we usually tend to make resolutions around the new year.
There are a few possible reasons why we tend to think about resolutions around New Year:
- The start of a new year is a natural time for reflection and goal-setting. It is a time when we can look back on the past year and assess what we have achieved and what we want to achieve in the coming year.
- New Year’s resolutions are often associated with cultural traditions and rituals. Many people make resolutions as part of their New Year’s celebrations, and it has become a common practice to make resolutions at this time of year.
- New Year’s resolutions often serve as a way to motivate and inspire people to make positive changes in their lives. The start of a new year is a fresh start and can be a great time to set goals and make positive changes.
- The start of a new year can be a time of transition and change, which can encourage people to think about their goals and resolutions. This may be especially true for those who are entering a new phase of their lives, such as starting a new job, moving to a new place, or getting married.
Why should one make resolutions?
- Resolutions help to set specific goals and intentions for the year ahead.
- Taking resolutions can help to improve one’s personal and professional life by providing direction and motivation to make positive changes.
- Resolutions can help to improve self-discipline and accountability, as one is more likely to follow through on their commitments if they are written down and specific.
- Setting resolutions can be a good way to celebrate the start of a new year and reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and areas for improvement.
- Taking resolutions can be a helpful tool for self-improvement and personal growth, as it allows one to focus on specific areas of their life that they want to improve or change.
It’s definitely true that January can be a month of contrasts. The start of a new year can be a time of excitement and optimism. It can also be a time when people feel the weight of their resolutions and the pressure to make changes in their lives. The cold and gloomy weather can also contribute to feelings of sadness or low energy.
However, it’s important to remember that every month has its ups and downs and it’s up to each person to find the silver lining and make the most of the situation (with or without support). It’s also important to be kind to yourself and remember that it’s okay to take things one day at a time.
And YES, you can make resolutions at any time of the year. It is not limited to the month of January. Many people choose to make resolutions at the beginning of the year as a way to set goals and start fresh, but you can make resolutions at any time that you feel motivated to make positive changes in your life.
“Begin again.
Begin again.
Every year
Every day
Every moment
Begin again.”― Shellen Lubin
