Turning New Year’s Resolutions into Hope-Filled Resilience
As we journey into another year, I am enthused about the possibilities it may hold. Like a fresh new page in my journal, I am spurred on to fill it with big dreams to influence positive change in myself and the wider world. Have you made any new year resolutions? Common resolutions are increased exercise, improved diet, to work harder, work less, work more efficiently to assist working less, better financial planning, to read or listen to more journals/podcasts/books – the list goes on! As the year progresses, many people struggle to maintain their resolutions for various reasons such as lack of motivation, unrealistic expectations, or unforeseen challenges. Was my change the world dream somewhat unrealistic? New Year resolutions are commonly broken, often due to the excitement and determination at the beginning of the year fading as time progresses. It is easy to lose hope when our enthusiasm fades. Is it even possible for New Year resolutions and hope to become a resilient, enduring strength in us? How may our resolutions transform into resilience?
Reframe our approach
Instead of feeling disheartened by past failures, we can reframe our approach to these resolutions and transform them into sources of hope and resilience. Rather than setting lofty or unrealistic goals, we can embrace a more compassionate and sustainable mindset. There is a difference between goals that will stretch us and those that are unrealistic and de-motivating. As a person of faith, I find prayer as the foundational step in seeking to align my goals with God’s good plans for my year, and my life. The bible talks about seeking first God’s ‘kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matt 6:33, NIV). The verse is saying that as we seek the bigger things (God’s ways in our life) then the lesser things will be given as well. You may want to choose a theme for the year, such as "self-care," "gratitude," or "resilience". By focusing on a broader concept, we allow ourselves the flexibility to pursue different avenues that align with our overarching theme throughout the year. Further, we can shift our perspective from viewing resolutions as strict rules to seeing them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Embracing a growth mindset means recognising that setbacks and challenges are inherent parts of the process of growth toward resilience. Instead of giving up when we have a stumbling day or season, we can view these obstacles as valuable lessons that ultimately contribute to our resilience.
Change takes time
Cultivating hope-filled resilience involves acknowledging that change is gradual and nonlinear. It’s important to celebrate small victories along the way and practice self-compassion when we encounter hurdles. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, your faith community, or a therapist can bolster our resilience and reinforce our commitment to personal growth. Your list may also include authors who inspire you. Who or what may bolster your resilience this year? What is one next possible step you can take? By reframing our New Year's resolutions as opportunities for cultivating hope and resilience, we can transform them from daunting, hope-killing tasks into empowering, desirable pursuits. Embracing a mindset of flexibility, self-compassion, and growth can enable us to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of our journey, ultimately leading us toward a more fulfilling and resilient way of life.