Albert Einstein once said “If you always do what you always did, You will always get what you always got”. Simply genius really. So this year, I’m rethinking my New Year’s resolutions and I’m going to dare to do things differently for big changes in my life.
Have you seen “The Opposite” episode of Seinfeld where Jerry convinces him that if every instinct he has ever had is wrong, then the opposite must be right. So, George decides to order the opposite of his usual lunch and speaks to a beautiful woman with the same meal order. He tells her, “My name is George. I’m unemployed and live with my parents”. She is totally into it and decides to give him a chance (as if). But hey, if it can work for George, it can work for me!
I start off every new year with a beautiful new planner that I have researched meticulously so I could not possibly fail. I spend a stupid amount of money on pretty pens and sparkly stickers that say things like “You’re awesome!” “You Can do it!” and “Drink More Water!”. Then I spend New Year’s Eve writing down my goals, organizing my planner and designing the pathway to my new, incredible life.
Now, mind you, not once have I succeeded in following through with any of my resolutions, which I will blame entirely on my family with no blame on myself whatsoever.
But, I decided to do the opposite this year. Hence the reason I’m talking to you on January 15th (typically the day when new year’s resolutions start to turn to crap) versus January 1st.
Wasn’t that thoughtful of me?
Here’s how I’m daring to do the opposite this year
- I did NOT buy a planner. Nope! I fought the urge, no matter how pretty they all were with their promises of organizing my life, if I only spent the money on glittery markers and inspirational stickers.
- I did NOT make a list of resolutions. I did make an Anti-Bucket list though. Maybe eliminating the things I don’t want in my life will work out better for me. Sometimes when you remove the things you don’t want, the things you do want, come to be. Think of it like this. I am going to not keep sweets in the house. Which translates into, “Hey, my jeans fit better!” versus “Great, another failed diet”.
- I did NOT join a January Whole30. I have done this for the past couple of years and honestly, I’m DONE with diets. Being healthy is a daily practice, not a 30 day diet. I’m focusing on clean eating and logging my food and water.
- I am NOT using credit cards. I’m changing to a cash only system and paying much closer attention to where I am spending my money and also working on saving money for the future while still enjoying life.
- I am NOT holding back anymore. I am going to wear the dress, post the picture, write the book, DO THE THING! Whatever that thing is that has held me back because of what others may think. This is my year!
I don’t know how this way of thinking will work out. I do know that so far, I have saved money on planners and have already dropped a few pounds. So this year is looking bright already.
What are you doing differently this year to help you reach your goals? I’d love to hear from you about how you are making changes to what you have done in the past to finally make your dreams a reality.
