Throw Away Your New Years Resolution for 2022!

December causes many things for American’s. It usually brings around the best of 2021 lists, and the ever popular New Years resolution plan. I find that a very much a waste of time. Thats right, I said it. Planning is a waste of time.

I have found that most people (including myself), have never done well with the New Years resolutions. If you are going to do something you have to do it NOW, in the present. Most people use this time to put plans together because it is a way to make themselves feel better. They feel like they are going to accomplish something in the future when really they are procrastinating on what they can do now. 

I’m not saying that you should not think about the future. I am saying that if you are wanting to accomplish something, do it now. Do not wait. Make everyday your accomplishment. Create your future by operating in current time. This is not an easy task by any means. 

The reason New Years resolutions don’t work is because we are giving ourselves permission to start something in the future. You are subconsciously giving yourself permission to always do something in the future. You are also telling yourself that the future is always better than the present to do something. I have news for you, the future never comes because it always transpires into the present. 

It is easier to commit to the future than to commit to the present. By committing to the present you get more done that any promise to the future. Have you ever wondered why some people get more done in a day than others? Its because of their commitment to the present.  

Planning gives people the permission to procrastinate!

 Think of how many New Years resolutions you have neglected by the end January. If you are committed to eating right, do it now. If you are going to spend more time with your family, do it now. If you are going to make you business more efficient, do it now. If you are going to play as hard as you work (or visa-versa) do it now. Its a great mission because it develops a life and a business with “no regrets.”

The constant battle of our past and our future robs us from operating in the present. One way that I have found to refocus is to practice breathing (see my past blog Breathe). I know it sounds insane that one would have to practice breathing, but I have found it to be one of the things that I enjoy about my day. I concentrate on my lungs filling with air as I count rhythmically. I then exhale doing the same thing. I can feel the stress of everyday life melt away and it lets me focus on my current tasks. 

Commit to something everyday and do it. You may not get it done in that day, but thats not the point. You are presently moving forward. That is really the key to making things happen and accomplishing purposeful change. 

Let's do an experiment. Take something that you wanted to accomplish for a long time. Make sure it is something that can be accomplished in a day. It could be cleaning a room out or finishing that book that you were reading. Start on it now and get it done. note the feeling you have after the task is done. Let that feeling be something that you experience everyday. It could be the very start of an unbelievable year in that you accomplish more that any year before. Here’s to today!

“Remember...wealth has nothing to do with money, success has everything to do with failure, and life is as simple as you want to make it!” - John Dessauer