Resolutions? No, Thanks.

 
So, it’s that time of year — the time when everyone thinks about all they’re going to accomplish in the New Year. It’s a time of hope, excitement, possibilities. Wouldn’t it be super if the goals and dreams we had for ourselves remained after, say, January 2?

I decided long ago to not make resolutions for the New Year. Instead, I’ve found other ways to honor this special time that serve me so much more powerfully. And  yup, I’m gonna share them with you. Lucky dog.

My rituals vary year to year, and here’s what I have in the works for this time around. I’ll be making a list of 25 accomplishments from 2010.

Things like:

1. Discovered a new hobby — Geocaching
2. Kicked up my exercise regimen
3. Expanded my virtual business offerings
4. Had friends over more often
5. Practiced and got more in touch with my intuitive abilities
6. Bought a really cute hat, that I love, for only $8
7. Expressed my gratitude and appreciation almost daily for my loving marriage, friendships, family, and more
8. Cleaned out my filing cabinet and burned the old file contents, while sending love and blessings to anyone affiliated with the papers
9. Rearranged my home office furniture to let the chi flow more easily
10. Showed a bit more vulnerability, resulting in deeper friendships

Sweet! I already have 10! 🙂

I also plan on making a list of 12 new things I’d like to try in 2011. I chose “12” because of the number of months in the year, however, I’m going so easy on myself that it doesn’t mean I have to do one per month. Heck, if I do one in January and 11 in December, so be it. I’m such a rebel. Hey, it’s a great way to set myself up for SUCCESS. What a concept, eh?

Some things on that list might be:

1. Snowboard
2. Ice skate
3. Take a road trip to Acadia National Park in Maine
4. Take a Zumba class

And so on…

Also, on New Year’s Eve night, Melissa and I will sit by the fireplace, each with a list of what we’d like to let go of, and ceremoniously burn it, thanking those lessons for helping us to grow. It always feels so good.

Finally, when I think about what I’d like to accomplish in 2011, instead of resolutions, I’ll be creating an action plan of the very first initial steps that I need to take to move me in the direction I want — whether that be in relation to my health, business, relationships, diet, etc. And when I’ve taken those steps, I’ll come up with the next set. And so on. It’s much more manageable and just feels so much better in my body!

OK, now your turn. In what ways do you recognize the ending of one year and the beginning of the next? I’d love to hear from you, so please comment away! And give yourself permission to create change anytime throughout the year. I like Jason Mraz‘s idea. Why wait until a certain date on the calendar to live out loud? As he puts it, celebrate Happy Now Year!

Hey, coincidentally, my January teleclass is on Revising Your Resolutions. Consider joining me? Click here for more info.

Image by tsuacctnt