Why I Don't Make New Year Resolutions

This time of the year is famous for people coming out of the woodwork with goals, resolutions and promises to make changes in the new year.

   

Work out more. Eat healthier. Give more. Volunteer. Quite smoking. Save $$. 

The lists are endless. More people show up at gyms. They throw out the cookies and treats and purchase healthy foods. They start chewing gum to rid the cravings of smoking. They track their "resolution progress" on social media. 

And every ounce of it drives me crazy. I don't make new years resolutions. 

Not saying that I haven't before. I've done the whole resolution thing. And I suck at it. I whole heartily suck at making myself stick to things.

So, I just don't do it. That's right friends. I don't make resolutions.  

Sue me. Call me lazy. Call it what you want. 

I view resolutions as a means of being tied down. A set up for failure. A way to feel stuck. The resolutions that people make are generally life improvements that we all should really focus on being better at all year...not just in January of each new year. Therefore I just focus on doing better all year long and refuse to make myself feel like a failure each February when resolution-ers fizzle out and decide to start over the following year. 

You might be curious as to the things I like to focus on during the year. 

It's simple things really: 

Spending quality time with family

Taking in the world around me

Telling my loved ones how much they mean to me. Every day

Giving back

Breathing more deeply 

Make a difference

Being patient

These are my revolving year goals. They've been the same for years. 

And they are simple, meaningful and obtainable. 

Which means I'm able to achieve them each and every year. Time and time again. Do I feel overly fulfilled when I achieve them? Not necessarily. These are things that we should all focus on. Things that make life feel full and worth it.

Things that make me happy. Things that make me feel alive.

If you are a resolution-er and are busy making lists right now remember to make them simple and obtainable. Don't set yourself up for failure and most of all remember that it's okay to NOT make resolutions. 

It's okay to focus on living. 

Simply living.