New Year’s resolutioners will hit the floor running in January 2021. They are bullish right out of the gate.
The purchase of sports, exercise equipment, and gym memberships will rise like stock prices during the first of the year. With visions of smaller waistlines, tighter buttocks, and such—on your mark, get set, pedal, push, crunch, go!
But by the end of the second quarter, a good number of New Year’s gym members will abandon their investments. In-home exercise enthusiasts waver in their commitment even earlier than that.
Starting the first of the year, people make resolutions about any and everything. I have nothing negative to say about resolutioners and their revolutions and convictions to declare and make changes in their lives.
I googled examples of New Year Resolutions, and to my surprise, the website, Simplicable.com listed 78 categories of first-of-the-year resolutions. Most of the resolution examples are simple 1 or 2-line statements. The Introspection category stated, “Take time to reflect on each day with its failures and successes and to identify improvements.”
This is an admirable resolution. But no resolution is without its challenges.
So, what if some resolutioners become the engines that couldn’t? I’m not sure couldn’t is the optimum word. Many resolutioners simply renege on their quest.
Regardless, I give them an A for ATTEMPT. They had a plan, initiated it, and attempted to complete it.
Even a half-baked cake is better than no cake at all.
Right?
Trying to change behaviors and habits isn’t easy. We know there’s always something that has the potential to wreck even the best intentions: physical challenges, time restraints, willpower, unexpected changes, and many other things.
Is no New Year’s resolution a copout for those who don’t make one?
If it is, I’ve been copping-out for several years.
What’s a copout? A copout is an excuse or an act of avoidance to take-on a task or duty.
So, what are we avoiding in not making resolutions?
Some people would answer, ‘failure.’ But there’s no failure in trying.
Is it that we don’t trust ourselves to stick with it?
If you fall off the bandwagon, get back on!
Quitters never try. People who try aren’t quitters.
In the past few years, some of my resolutions included: lose weight, curtail shopping, and eat healthier. And I made strives in all 3 goals.
I admit; sometimes, we need support or help. We need to believe Philippians 4:13 (KJV), “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Yes, I need spiritual help. But I also need a little help from nearby invested family and friends.
How can I eat healthier when my husband buys chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, chips, and all sorts of good-tasting but unhealthy sugar-laden foods?
It wasn’t his fault that I fell off the bandwagon. But where was the help? I lost some pounds but not as many as I pledged. Losing some pounds is better than losing none.
Remember, an all-or-nothing mindset doesn’t allow for encouragement or celebrations.
When I told my husband I wanted to buy a piece of exercise equipment, he said, “I know where it’s going to end up.”
So what if the thigh master, chair gym, or treadmill ends up in the time-out room with the other begging-to-be-used equipment after several months?
It may end up there, but I can retrieve it anytime I like. I’m not a quitter.
You wouldn’t believe how many ratchets, drills, and other unused tools he has taking up space in my garage.
A tool is a tool.
When you want or need a tool, you want to be able to put your hand on it
A piece of exercise equipment is a tool for the body. When I want it, I can retrieve it like he does his gadgets.
Sorry, I digress.
Anyway, no hardline physical resolutions for me in 2021.
I’ve decided to be conscious about finding balance in my life and being more compassionate with myself. What does this mean? I don’t exactly know yet. But I know it involves less stress and worry.
Less worrying in 2021 will involve spiritual self-care and reliance on God.
So, make your New Year’s resolutions.
Go for it! Give it your best!
But remember, don’t take an all or nothing approach.
Seek out help.
Have compassion for yourself. Celebrate small, medium, and large successes.
Celebrate any and all 2021 resolution achievements.
Have a prosperous and Happy New Year!
Be safe!