Today’s Morning Buzz is by Jackie Wehmeyer, Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, Florida and proud Secretary of ELGL’s Board of Directors Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.
What I’m excited about: Snow, snow, snow in Utah this upcoming weekend
What I’m cooking tonight: Ground Turkey Bulgogi Sloppy Joes topped with Asian Slaw
What I’m watching: The NFL playoffs. Now that my team has been eliminated, it’s all about preparing for the Super Bowl bets.
New Year Checklist:
- At this point in January, I have sensibly stopped saying, “Happy New Year!” Check.
- At this point in January, I am no longer writing 2025 as the year. Hmm, check.
- At this point in January, I have put away my holiday decorations. Half-checked – does it count that they are packed up, but not in the attic yet?
- At this point in January, I have steadfastly not given up on my New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions? Nope. Not for me.
I let go of New Year’s resolutions years ago. For so many people, those New Year’s resolutions fill them with hope and determination for the year ahead. Lose weight, get organized, travel more, learn a new skill – exciting! For me, however, they just set me up for failure and haven’t served me well.
Keeping resolutions helps people achieve goals each year. However, there is now a designated Quitter’s Day on the second Friday in January, which was January 10th this year. And some say that most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by mid-February. So, amidst all the goal-setting eagerness, one burning question emerges: Are New Year’s resolutions essential for success?
Here are a few reasons why you might not need New Year’s resolutions to achieve your personal and professional ambitions:
Success is a Year-Round Commitment
Success isn’t confined to what you designate it to be on the first day of the year. It’s a continuous journey that requires dedication, hard work, and adaptability throughout all 365 (or 366) days. Many people are already working towards goals well before the new year rolls around. Introducing a batch of new or more specific resolutions could create unnecessary pressure.
Achievement doesn’t obey a calendar. Successful people often set goals throughout the year, when they seem appropriately important to them, and adjust them as circumstances shift. This flexibility allows for more organic growth and ensures you’re constantly clearing and clarifying your path to success.
Resolutions Can Be Overwhelming
The very idea of New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming. You look at that blank slate of a year and feel the pressure to craft a perfect plan – this will be my year! The pressure can lead to anxiety, procrastination, and even disappointment when those lofty goals seem impossible to achieve.
Instead of overhauling your entire life, why not focus on smaller, more manageable goals? Small, incremental changes tend to be more sustainable and less intimidating, allowing you to achieve success without the heavy load of expectation.
Life is Unpredictable
No matter how methodically we plan, life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. From personal issues to professional roadblocks, things can change rapidly, making our carefully laid plans moot.
By prioritizing flexibility over strictness, you become better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you. Embracing adaptability allows you to pivot and adjust your goals without feeling like you’ve failed.
Focus on Values, Not Outcomes
Instead of setting specific resolutions, consider aligning your actions with your core values. What matters most to you? Is it fostering personal relationships, improving your mental health, or pursuing creative expression? By focusing on values rather than specific outcomes, you can make choices every day that lead you toward success without the restrictions of a checklist, not to mention joy and fulfillment in the process.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Success isn’t just about reaching a finish line; it’s also about the journey and the progress you make along the way. Instead of fixating on specific resolutions, embrace a mindset of appreciation for the small wins in life, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Every step you take toward personal growth deserves recognition. Celebrate your efforts, whether it’s picking up a new hobby, reconnecting with a friend, or simply taking a moment for self-care. These everyday victories contribute to a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Remember that success is not dependent on arbitrary deadlines and lists. It’s a fluid journey defined by growth, resilience, and adaptation. Focus on what brings you joy and embrace the experiences that come your way, whenever they may arrive.