Resolutions. Many of us make them, and most of us break them. It’s February now, and I’m sure there are an infinite number of New Year’s Resolutions that have indeed been broken.
I overheard a conversation one day at work that got me thinking. A woman was talking about her desire to lose weight. But it was a Wednesday, and she resolved that it would be easier to start this new journey the following Monday. Start fresh. With a new week.
We plan our resolutions for the future, because it’s easier for us to come to terms with this idea of change when it’s not yet a part of our now. But a later time. In our minds, we believe that we can “prepare” ourselves for this change by the time it occurs.
Planning is always the easy part; it’s the doing that truly changes us.
In this world of instant gratification, it is no wonder that most of our resolutions are grandiose. Often, we seek to change a great deal of ourselves in a relatively short period of time – our appearance, our jobs, our living arrangements, our financial and social status, etc. We want a new “us” and we want it now!! To completely change ourselves and our life in such a short period of time (a year, for example), can be overwhelming to say the least.
Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t have resolutions, because, I think they are probably one of the most important aspects of our growing self. However, I don’t think we should continuously schedule these ideas for a time in the future – New Year’s, next week, next month, etc. Instead, I think we should resolve to constantly re-evaluate our life, our family, our jobs, ourselves. To find those areas in which we must grow and change, and take small steps.
When seeking to change yourself and your life, remember the definition of evolution: “The gradual development of something.”
Dream big; change small.
Marathoners don’t take one giant leap to cover the 26. 2 miles, no, they cover that distance with many, much smaller steps. And while this statement may appear as commonsense, this basic principle often eludes us when we seek to change aspects of our lives.
Take a few moments each day to reflect. Think about the many areas in which you wish to improve. Then, from that daunting list, pick the smallest, most simplest of changes, and promise yourself to make this transformation occur in the now.
Over time, these small changes will grow into quite a dramatic alteration of who you really are. And it is these small changes that stick with us for a lifetime.
Until next time, Happy Living!
Nice post Lisa…you speak words of vital wisdom. It would be nice if we could all rejoice in the small steps as they move us toward our larger goal. Thanks for sharing your insights.
Cheers,
Ardee-ann
As usual you point out what appears to be common sense but one vital part is missing. In this case the small steps. He he one paragraph at a time.
Cheers,
Bill
Well said Lisa!
So well written like only you can , Lisa.
eden
I agree that change is often a slow process. Our life experiences change us in ways that we may not notice ’til years later.
When I look back upon the young woman I was in my 20s, I realize how much I have grown. Perhaps one of the most obvious changes (at least in my own opinion) is the way that I think now compared to then.
I was very naive back then. I let the world walk all over me. I was, in many ways, mature, but not quite ready for the world.
I grew up in an abusive family. I left that life for what turned out to be an abusive marriage. It was over by the time I was 22.
I am now 36 and happily married with four children, one of whom has special needs. All of the early signs suggested that I would not have the tools to be a good mother, especially not to a special needs child.
The person I was back then could not have done it, but I have come far. I am a wife, a mother, and a writer. I am not what I used to be.