Happy New Year!
It's the day we've all been waiting for to make some positive changes in our lives—the day that marks a fresh start. While I will probably resolve to do some things better or more often (or not at all) in 2010, I still can't get fully on board with the whole idea of New Year's Resolutions, and here's why.
First, it's just a day, like any other. If we want to make positive changes in our lives, why do we wait until January 1? Why do we even wait until tomorrow? If we are dissatisfied with our exercise habits or the way we eat, why hold out until the first of the year, squandering the opportunity of the days leading up to that day? If we are working to rid ourselves of destructive habits, every day that goes by is a victory for the addiction and a defeat for us. If something is so important to us that we are willing to commit ourselves to it fully, why wait?
Second, the New Year is going to be a lot like the old year. As we look out on the fresh new horizons of the year ahead of us, it is easy to forget all of the things about life that made the last year what it was. The stresses of work and family will still be there. The unexpected demands on our time will still pop up more often than we expect. And things that matter a great deal to us will not go the way that we hope. The world does not change on January 1, though our optimism often makes us feel that we will not be subject to the ups and downs of everyday life the way were were "back then."
Third, there's no grace. I have learned that the absolute worst way to accomplish significant change is to resolve to do it. By this I mean that any major change requires much more than the resolve to do it, because resolve fades. And when our resolve fades, we suddenly remember how difficult a thing we are attempting and our failure overwhelms us. And to think, we actually thought this year would be different! When we expect perfection, imperfection (which is the norm—we're human, after all) is devastating, and our resolution fails. There's always next year...
So, what to do? Make your resolutions today, not because today is New Year's Day, but because today is today. Accept the fact that you are still you and the world is still the world. And finally, allow yourself some grace. God doesn't expect perfection of us, so neither should you. When you slip up (and you will), take it in stride and continue to work toward your goals. Don't go it alone—let others know of your goals so they can hold you accountable.
Just don't wait until January 1, 2011!
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