- You’re setting yourself up to fail. Do you really need that? Again?! Research shows only 10-12% of people keep new year resolutions so unless you’re one of that weird minority, don’t create a false optimism that this year will be different. You’ll end up feeling a flop by March.
- You’re probably being selfish or at least too self-focused. I need to be thinner, fitter, faster, richer, blonder or whatever. Despite what common culture would have us believe these are not the keys to happiness. To be happy, research shows we need to be more outward focused. So if you need to make a resolution make the sort that practices small acts of kindness or spreads a bit of joy like smiling at people. If you absolutely must have a proper challenge for the new year, commit to remaining polite and charming even with the biggest idiots and egos you have to deal with.
- Finally, we’ve got the word all wrong! Resolution is derived from the latin resolvere meaning ‘loosen or release’. Let all that crap go about ‘should’, ‘ought’ and ‘need to’ at the start of this year. Give yourself a break for a change and whilst you’re not so busy beating yourself up you might be able to be a bit kinder, a bit more attentive to everyone else around you.
Wishing you all a healthy and hope-filled 2016
Lisa xxx
January 10, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Love your three non-resolutions, Lisa, especially #2. I’m late in getting here, but I’m not going to beat myself up. Your advice is timeless wisdom. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes for good things in 2016. It’s great to catch up again, dear friend.
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January 6, 2016 at 11:22 pm
Absolutely agree. Resolution have to be doable otherwise they’re a mirage. I prefer reality!
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January 5, 2016 at 2:48 am
That’s fantastic! I resolve to let go and let it be! Actually, I like to pause this time of year and realign my path, but no resolutions.
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January 6, 2016 at 11:12 am
I agree with you Charli. I love all these milestones for the feeling of a fresh start. Chance to stand back and check where we’re going and how we’re trying to get there. Much navel gazing to follow on this blog.. Keep it up at the Carrot Ranch. I find your energy infectious. Happy New Year xx
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January 4, 2016 at 9:30 am
Happy to go with that, Lisa, and happy New Year to you. I know you won’t be resolving to blog more this year, but I look forward to your updates when the mood takes you.
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January 6, 2016 at 11:07 am
Well.. let’s see about that. My paltry WordPress stats from last year were a bit of a downer and reducing blogging hasn’t led to more of anything more positive. Back coming along little by little.. shhh. Don’t mention the B word!
Happy New Year Anne. xx
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January 3, 2016 at 8:35 pm
Love this post!!
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January 6, 2016 at 11:05 am
Thank you. Didn’t mean to offend any blonds by the way..!
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January 3, 2016 at 8:18 pm
Yeah, I’m letting go…. Yay!!! I’m floating. Here’s to a grand year Lisa!!
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January 6, 2016 at 11:04 am
Hoping it will be a special one!
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January 3, 2016 at 7:03 pm
Came over from the Sunday Blog Share thing on Twitter. Totally agree with you. It is all about little steps, tiny improvements, I think.
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January 6, 2016 at 11:03 am
I hadn’t heard of #SundayBlogShare til @SarahBrentyn shared this post. Thank you for bothering to pop by and Happy New Year!
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January 10, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Same to you!!!!!
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January 3, 2016 at 6:29 pm
Yes! Just posted about this. (We are usually on the same page.) Let’s be nice, shall we? And here’s to letting go of the crap! Happy 2016! 🎉🍾❤️
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January 6, 2016 at 10:59 am
Yes, let’s be nice and starting with ourselves! Wishing you clear vision for 2016 xx
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