Image provided by iStockPhoto.com
Dear friends,
I hope this message finds you rested and recharged! For me, the turning of a new year sparks a confusing and contradictory mix of feelings. The opportunity for a fresh start appeals to the optimist in me, and at the same time, my inner critic reminds me that I have inevitably fallen short of my ambitious goals for the year before. I feel the urge to make resolutions, even though I always aim to resist the relentless, burnout-inducing cultural push to do more and be better.
Today I looked back at my 2024 goals, which I wrote exactly one year ago. I did not achieve a single one. To make matters worse, I had already carried forward some of those goals from my 2023 list. This was not happy news for my overachiever self! Then I realized that my list of goals has an inherent flaw- I haven’t written down anything that I “have to do” as a goal. I have always taken for granted that I will fulfill my commitments. I suspect many of you are the same way- you set goals beyond what you have already planned.
Is this wise? How much do you have on your plate already? Could 2025 be an amazingly productive year if all you do is fulfill your existing commitments? When I reflect on 2024, I am proud of my accomplishments- like supporting my son through his college application process and planning and executing my daughter’s first solo dance performance. Completing these big, time-consuming, complex, interdependent projects should have been my 2024 goals. No wonder I didn’t do any of the other exciting things on my list!
For my 2025 goals, I am listing out things that I know I have to do, and I am going to give myself credit for getting them done. In fact, to maximize the credit, I am going to start a list of “weekly wins”. Hopefully at the end of 2025, I will look back on a long list of wins rather than appealing but unrealistic goals.
What about you? Are you making resolutions? Do you have goals for the year? Drop me a line and tell me all about it! As always, please share widely and, if you are so inclined, sign up for the blog here. Keep in touch and do share good news so I can amplify your successes!
Warmly,
Urmimala