Sometimes I think we put too much stock in a single day.
That sounds rather pessimistic, but I suggest it’s actually the opposite. This is truly the most wonderful time of the year. While we are surrounded by the chaos of holiday preparations and celebrations, the sense of Christmas cheer is wrapped inside that frenetic pace we seem to adopt during the month of December. And it’s beautiful.
Then, we arrive at New Years Day. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start and new beginning. But here’s where my initial thought comes in to dampen (or perhaps brighten) the day. Why do we wait until New Years Day for a new path or an ambitious promise to oneself?
We put so much pressure on ourselves and set such high expectations. We keep our resolutions for a few days, maybe a week, perhaps even a month. And then when we fall short, for even a single day, and there’s this sense of disappointment and failure. Or maybe that’s my perfectionist tendencies rearing their ugly head.
We shouldn’t have to wait until that artificial boundary of January 1st to make a change, to start anew. And neither should we expect to honor them 100% of the time. We’re imperfect beings in a dynamic world. Things come up, more important endeavors deserve our attention from time to time, and it’s okay to set aside our resolutions in order to do what our heart tells us is the right thing in that moment.
To that end, I have made a resolution—before the 1st of the year—and I’ve been faithful to it for about 75% of the time so far. And you know what? I’m okay with that, because when I’ve put that promise to the side, it’s been for a good reason that aligns with my personal values. And sometimes it’s while we’re not holding true to our self-promise that we realize some aspect of it needs to change. That’s called growth. And isn’t that the whole point of a resolution in the first place?
Each day is a new opportunity. Every moment is a blank canvas. Paint with all the colors. Watch how everything blooms.
Would you like to connect with Dave and learn more about his daily thoughts and life as an author? Join his community and be the first to share a sip of caffeine for the soul each month!