New What?

I’ll admit it.

I’m a bit of a grump about the whole New Year thing.

I’m a skeptic, too, when it comes to making and keeping resolutions. The whole January 1^st date feels random to me. I mean, who decided? Why isn’t it July? Or February?

And why do we have to do these things all at the same time?

This “new year” idea goes back to ancient Rome. The month of January was named after Janus, the god of gates and doorways. So January was considered a symbol of beginnings and transitions. The Romans believed that honoring Janus at the start of the year would bring blessings and good fortunate throughout the upcoming months, according to this explanation. The idea stuck when the Julian calendar gave way to the Gregorian calendar of 1582 and that’s why we drink champagne and watch fireworks late at night every Dec. 31.

I think you could—and should—resolve to change anything you want to change anytime throughout the year. So here’s an idea for a resolution: Make more resolutions throughout the year whenever an idea strikes you to do so, no matter the date.

And yes, most of us probably make resolutions around health and eating habits (or drinking habits) but since you’re here on the RMFW blog, I have a hunch you possibly made a resolution around writing.

Such as:

“Start a new writing project.”

“Finish that writing project.”

“Spend more time writing.”

“Write five days a week—at a minimum.”

Or maybe it’s something else.

Well, how are you going to ensure success?

The folks at a website called Very Well Mind have a few suggestions about techniques that work:

1. Be specific with your goal.
2. Don’t make too many resolutions. In other words—focus, people!
3. Put time into planning. “Experts suggest that you brainstorm how you will tackle a major behavior change, including the steps you will take, why you want to do it, and ways you can keep yourself on track,” states the article.
4. Make a detailed plan of how you’ll get where you’re going.
5. Start with small steps
6. Avoid repeating past failures
7. Remember that change is a process
8. Get support.

“Yes, you’ve probably heard this advice a million times, but that is because the buddy system actually works,” states the article. “Having a solid support system can help you stay motivated and accountable. Camaraderie makes sticking to your resolution more fun, too. So, ideally, find a like-minded pal or loved one to join you in your goal. Explain what your goals are to your close friends or family and ask them to help you achieve your objectives. Better yet, enlist the help of others by joining a group that shares your goal.”

Yes, a buddy system …

Yes, a liked-minded pal …

Or two.

You’re going to do better, in other words, when others join you—and support you—on your journey.

Have you ever noticed when you tell someone about your goals / resolutions how it makes them seem much more like a real thing?

Just remember, you’re not required to make resolutions at this time of year.

(They work any day, week, or month of your choice.)

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Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

Mark Stevens