Every December, after all the hustle and bustle dissipates from the excitement of Christmas, you and your family may take the time to look back on the past year and talk about the new year. Some people want their new year’s resolution to be something big and life changing. Others want their new year’s resolution to be kept inside. Every year I make a new year’s resolution, however, I don’t tell anyone what it’s going to be. I believe a new year’s resolution is like an agreement. An agreement holding yourself accountable to finish a task, giving you motivation throughout next year. Every year after Christmas I always hear my friends and family talking about their new year’s resolutions. I have heard everything from saving more money to the most popular resolution of all: going on a diet and exercising. I decided to look back at what my new year’s resolutions were in previous years.
I noticed my resolutions all had one thing in common. My resolutions were not specific at all and really had no benefit to me. All my resolutions had to do with helping other people. So, you must be saying, “Josh, it’s not a resolution if you don’t do something to benefit yourself.” It makes me feel good to help other people. By making myself feel good, I’m benefiting myself. Try to think about your resolution every morning when you wake up. This allows you to always keep your goal fresh in your mind. Most people don’t know the difference between a goal and a resolution. A goal is what you are striving to accomplish. A resolution is a firm choice to obtain a thought or idea you have. Last year, my resolution was to do more acts of kindness and charity work. I would pick one day a month to do something good or help someone out. I picked one day a month because if I were to set my expectations too high (knowing myself), I would fail.
Last month I stopped in to grab a slice of pizza for lunch and I saw a lady and a little kid eating at the table. I went up to the manager and paid for their meal. I have never met the kid and his mom. I also told the manager not to tell them who took care of the bill. By doing this I accomplished my resolution. I didn’t have to schedule my act of kindness. It came naturally and the pressure was off my shoulders. I only hope I put a smile on the mom’s face, because I know paying for someone’s meal made me feel good. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Sometimes the loudest noises are the ones no one hears. By not putting so much pressure on myself to accomplish my resolution, I notice when opportunities present themselves, making it easier to achieve my resolution. It comes naturally and isn’t forced.
We all know it’s easy to make a resolution. The hard part is keeping your resolution. Did you know that over 50% of people who make a new year’s resolution fail to accomplish it? And, one third of those people give up on their resolution by February. Statistics demonstrate this occurs because people choose unrealistic expectations. If you decide to pick a new year’s resolution and you find yourself struggling to achieve your goal, try to adjust your resolution. And, maybe consider making your new year’s resolution about helping others.
About Josh McDermott: Josh is a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. He is a public speaker and has served as a goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Josh lives in New York and loves to travel. Click here to learn more about Josh.