So here we are, somehow 9 days in to 2015 already and I’m yet to post my resolutions for the year; something I had intended to do days ago. It’s taken me up until now to realise that for me, I’m actually better off not setting resolutions- things that seem like a good idea as the year ends but soon transpire in to a list of resentment that does more harm that good. Anyone who knows me will say I am my own worst enemy and I set standards for myself high- time after time I’ve set a goal or made a resolution and inevitably failed. Some people might be able to shrug their shoulders and move on, but I can’t and having spent 2014 learning to appreciate myself a bit more, I want to start 2015 in the most positive way possible, with no targets to reach.
That’s not to say there aren’t things I’d like to achieve over the course of the year, or I’m giving myself free reign to indulge in bad habits, not at all! I’m just giving myself a blank canvas, to see what happens day upon day and deal with it in a way that I see fit.
Some people thrive with a list of goals set out in front of them and this gives them the drive to achieve those goals, I’m not one of those people. I get stressed at the sight of a list that says “eat better, stop smoking and save money” and whilst pressuring myself to do these things all at once, to the extreme I end up getting myself ill, irritable and burning out too soon. Up until last year I didn’t really accept that I wasn’t a goals person, but the second I let go of that “I must or I’ve failed” mentality I started to achieve more.
I know I’m not alone in this, and neither are those that do set themselves a resolution or six to stick to,
I’d love to know your stance on this and how you plan to deal with the year ahead.
I spent 2014 learning how to finally live my life how I want to live it and I’m excited to see where 2015 takes me…no pressure.
Great post!
I hate goals myself and like you,the thought of failing is what makes us weaker! But what I did learn is that everything is possible if we really really want it, so instead of setting myself a deadline for things, I just strive to achieve what I want by taking small steps towards it. Very small – we have to enjoy the process!
Big Love
Tatyana x
Secret little Stars
http://www.secretlittlestars.com
Definitely an achievement in itself to recognise that for you goals are not productive. Taking time to get to know oneself is one of the hardest things. I’m not a resolutions person either, because vague goals like ‘get fitter’ or ‘save money’ don’t work for me. I’m a habit forming person and it’s all about little and often of some things to work towards a bigger picture of trying to look after myself a little better- I’d rather form 2 new habits than set myself a list of 5 vague news goals that I’ll inevitably not reach.
I’m also with you on taking things as they come, goals are all well and good, but if you don’t know what the year is going to throw at you, then some things may become unattainable.
Super huge love to you, and a Happy New Year too.
Great post, Laura. Can totally sympathise with this. People, self included, get so wrapped up in creating lists of things they’re NOT really committed to doing, and the disappointment can be crippling. It’s refreshing to read a post like this. I think removing the pressure and just playing it as it comes is a great attitude. I decided to just do a couple of points for this year – so there’s a list, but it feels manageable, and then I’ll just go out and give it everything.
I really hope 2015 is going well for you so far. And I look forward to seeing how it unfolds over here on the blog 🙂 x
I’m the same – I haven’t made any real resolutions or goals yet and I feel like that in itself is a bit of a fail, when really you can pick any day to say ‘right, I want to do X better’ or ‘today I’m going to swap X for X’. It doesn’t have to be January 1st. It can put a lot of pressure if you try to completely reinvent yourself within a few weeks.
I wrote a post saying exactly the same thing… http://distractmenowplease.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/giving-up-on-goal-setting.html
Resolutions and ridiculous target setting are definitely not good for me! x