There are different schools of thought about New Year’s resolutions. In my more cynical periods, I didn’t bother – I didn’t see the point. After all, nobody keeps them for long, they’re just a way of setting yourself up with a bunch of things that you think you ought to change, but if you were really bothered enough to do it then you wouldn’t have to wait for new year.
There’s something in that, of course. And it’s undoubtedly true that there’s no such thing as a “fresh start”. But there is something to be said for drawing a line under a certain phase of your life and moving on. If a particular date makes that easier on the brain, well, why the hell not. Doesn’t have to be new year, of course. For those with pagan sympathies, solstices and equinoxes are probably just as good. Or the third Tuesday in February, if it catches the imagination.
Anyway, this year is the first year in a long time (if not ever) that I’ve really given it some thought. There are a few changes that are long overdue, and – well – it’s as good a time as any. I’m not going to go through all of them. I will just mention one thing I’ve decided to do though, because it’s from an idea I picked up in a lecture for medical students of all things. It struck me as bizarre at the time, but I gave it a go – and it’s brilliant!
Here’s how it works. At the end of every day, you think back on everything that’s happened and you write down three things. First, something that surprised you. Second, something that inspired you. And lastly, something that moved you emotionally. That’s it. Give it a try and see what happens.
The cynic in me says you (and everyone else) will last a week or less doing it and get bored. Those are very specific things and even with open-mindedness and imagination, most people would struggle to think of them. At the end of the day, that degree of mental effort is just beyond the “can be arsed” level of most people.
Ah, but you’ve not tried it yet! They’re not that hard to think of, but it does require you to reflect back on your day focusing on more positive things which might otherwise go unnoticed amongst the general stresses of everyday life. And what you focus on makes a huge difference to how you feel.
As for mental effort… well, my “can be arsed” level is generally pretty high given sufficient motivation. We’ll see though
My resolution this year was to quit smoking. I should keep it up for most of the year as I only smoke a few cigars on new years eve. Aim low, never be dissapointed
p.s. do you know when you’re fighting next or is it still all up in the air with the Elite XC stuff?
Everyday, huh? Sounds like a challenge. I’ll give it a try.