Written by: Phindile Le Bris Sithole-Spong
As someone who has always been rather terrible at making and keeping new years resolutions. For the past two years, I decided to not make any new years resolutions. In part because I found it stressful. But also because when it came to the end of the year, I found myself stressing about all the things I didn’t do instead of all that I had accomplished. Add to the fact that we have been in a global pandemic for almost two years now. And I am a working mom. Having a list of goals was just not something I was willing and able to do. But I know many people who have and still do set new years resolutions.
Resolutions help guide them and give them direction for the year. But what happens when all the goals and resolutions are not met? What I have found useful over the years when I did set resolutions and I was unable to meet them was to take a step back and write down what I did accomplish. This helps put things into perspective. And reminds me that whilst I may not have followed my list, life had other plans and I had to adapt.
As much as we would all like to accomplish everything on our new year’s resolutions list. It’s equally important to realize that life is not a checklist. And part of the human experience is dealing with unexpected twists and turns. From falling pregnant to losing your job or even a loved one. There are a million things that can go wrong in a year that can throw you off. This is why if you find yourself feeling bad about not doing or achieving all the things you wanted to this year. You need to remember that you are human. And as long as you are breathing you can still take steps to achieve all that you want. So be kind to yourself. You have time.
Dust yourself off. Write a new list if you are so inclined. And promise yourself to take a step each day, week or month towards achieving your goals.
