New Year’s resolutions – who keeps them?
An author friend of mine recently posted that instead of making “resolutions,” why not call them a bucket list for the new year. I like that. Calling them resolutions just places demands on yourself to accomplish them. A bucket list is simply a list of things you hope to accomplish.
I’ve never given much thought to New Year’s resolutions. I guess I just decide each day to do what I want for that day. For me, it’s a bit like the AA theme: to take it one day at a time. Most daily tasks I accomplish; some never get done.
So, why place demands on yourself that you probably will never accomplish? Instead, make it your “wish list,” or as she calls it, “bucket list.” Chances are, if you think of it as a wish list, you’ll achieve more than if you think of it as resolutions or demands on yourself.
So, what might be on your list for the new year?
Here are some of mine: 1. I hope to make better choices with the food I eat. 2. I want to seek God’s will for my life, rather than always blindly diving into something. 3. I want my ears to be open – more than my mouth.
Okay, now those sound more like resolutions, but notice I did say “hope” and “want.” The words “resolve” or “determine” weren’t there.
Here is a list of specific “wishes” I have for the new year:
1. I want to finish reading Ted Dekker’s 1,593 page The Circle.
2. Go on the Caribbean cruise planned for the seniors at our church.
3. I hope to publish a book of my flash fiction stories.
4. Play miniature golf with friends at Hill Country Golf and Guitar, located on the outskirts of Austin.
5. Find a good Old West chuck wagon dinner in the Hill Country.
6. See Dickens on The Strand – Galveston’s jovial holiday celebration and street festival.
Will I accomplish all of these in 2016? Probably not. But it is a wish list I can live with. I’m not committed to achieving them.
Now, I’d like to hear about your wish list for the new year. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but it doesn’t hurt to dream about things that may seem impossible. We have a big God! Nothing is impossible for him.
Enjoy the journey
Eldon