Fashion, Lifestyle

WHAT’S THE WORD?

01/30/2019

Going out on a bit of a limb here to admit I hold an unpopular opinion. Brace yourself, because here it comes.

New Year’s Resolutions are bull sh*t.

(Pausing here to let that sink in.)

I’m 100% team self-improvement and self-reflection, but waiting for a new year to identify something we want to be doing better? Nope. Feeling like a failure if you don’t achieve your goal after a few months? Nope. You can read a bit more about my feelings on the topic here.

According to an article I recently read in The Independent, January 12th was the day most of us probably gave up on said resolutions. Quitter’s Day, if you will. So what gives?

If you ask me (and if you’re reading this, I’m going to place a safe bet that you do), I think the breakdown is in the approach. We’re not thinking about the big picture. We set somewhat unattainable goals (I’m going to lose 20 lbs! I’m going to make a million dollars!) and more often than not, don’t consider that a change of mindset may be the key to success. Enter your mantra- a word or phrase frequently repeated that aids in focus and concentration. It’s an idea I find much more valuable than a New Year’s Resolution, and one that I’ve been practicing for quite some time.

At the beginning of this year, I chose a word; a word to use as a guiding factor in my personal growth, my daily life, and the decisions I make in the coming year. A word that would help mold my mindset and make my goals reachable. And that word is balance.

Balance is not something that I’m necessarily the best at, but it is a word I’m working toward. Saying “no” as much as I say “yes.” Prioritizing me as much as I prioritize everyone else. Walking away as much as I walk toward. Working toward harmony both personally and professionally. And that counts for something!

So if you find that you’ve fallen victim to Quitter’s Day, I promise all is not lost. No one said change has to start on January 1st. Change is not linear. We have the capacity for change and growth every single day. Think of a word, any word, and I promise it’ll help ignite that change: wear you are now.