A conclusion and a beginning
Here it is, the count of 2022. Does it really feel that long since 2021, or 2020? The days just keep passing and you end up here, reflecting on what you did and didn’t achieve knowing that although a year may seem long, you’ll be here again before you know it.
A new year always seems like a good time to set yourself a resolution. Unfortunately it takes a lot of work to make them stick and by the end of January many resolutions are already back on the shelf waiting until another batch of New Years optimism reaches us.
New Year can feel like an ending and a beginning. The fantasy of a new start grips us tightly. Many times this fantasy is unrealistic and we cannot change as radically as we’d like. That however, is not a reason to stop trying to change. Maybe the dream of an unattainable standard is a reason to keep going. We may never fully become who we want to be, but not attempting it is an even worse fate. The idea that we could have reached higher… been more, is a terrifying thought.
Ideas for a new start
Here are a few ideas for resolutions. This year I have taken a novel approach to setting myself resolutions. I will hopefully start a new resolution every 4 weeks, that is 13 in total over the year. Normally I do too much too fast and before I know it I’m flat on my face, so this spaced out mechanism will hopefully give me a better chance at growth. If one habit doesn’t work – and I’ve given it a good try – then I will stop trying it and move on to the next on my list.
Even if none of the habits stick permanently, I find resolutions a good way for discovering new passions and hobbies. They also allow me to discover little tricks for making my schedule work for me and building self discipline.
1. No technology before 10.30am.
I always end up on my phone at the breakfast table and end up sitting there for much longer then I should. With upcoming exams in my timetable it would be good to get on with revision earlier.
In general getting started with the main activities in my day earlier would be useful, and may unexpectedly increase the amount of time that I have to relax. If you require technology to work, consider not going on your phone or not using specific ‘time-wasting’ apps instead.
2. Daily Exercise
Making an effort to complete one form of exercise every day would contribute to general wellbeing. The discipline involved in the routine plus the physical benefits would create a compound benefit. These forms of exercise could be minimal but they would need to be independent of daily chores.
Maybe you do a lot of strength exercise already, so why not try doing an endurance activity like running. As someone who primarily sticks to endurance sport, I do some barre and find this very fun!
3. Creativity
Taking the time to participate in one form of creativity would allow time to relax and exercise the brain – in a different way to every-day work. Examples could be creative writing, drawing, playing an instrument or even consuming literature, art or new types of music. If you already do a lot of creative activities, maybe try a different creative outlet that you hadn’t previously considered. Who knows… it may be unexpectedly fun!