Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Out with the Old, In with the New!


Picture from clip art

I, for one, do not believe in resolutions. They are easy – maybe too easy – to make and just as easy to break. Like promises or good intentions (though having intentions is a good thing), it is easy to fall through the cracks on them.

In fact, synonyms for resolutions include words such as intention, resolve, commitment, pledge and promise...pretty strong words to say the least, don’t you think? The definition of resolution is "a firm decision to do or not to do something."

Regardless of the strength of these words, unless we have determination, discipline, and conviction at minimum, resolutions may not be met. And why bother setting up for failure, especially at the beginning of a fresh, new year?

A goal on the other hand is "the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result." Synonyms for goal include objective, aim, target, intent as well as intention, and purpose amongst others.

I actually prefer this though I have heard that "target" is an even better word than "goal" as a goal is finite whereas a target can be changed as in "a moving target."

After a number of years of setting goals and/or resolutions and even writing them down at times, I decided to stop this practice. I was willing to dismiss what no longer served me. I strongly suggest you do the same: Stop it. Throw it out if need be. After all, if it doesn't work, why keep doing it?


Brief comedy sketch video featuring Bob Newhart regarding "STOP IT!"

As Albert Einstein smartly remarked insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" or as he also similarly stated, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” It starts in the mind with action being the final result.

Thus, I changed my strategy. Instead, I set a focus or theme for the year; I find this more powerful a practice. Sometimes it comes in the form of one word, sometimes two different words such as "peace" and "joy" for example.

I had come across one or two other bloggers recently whom I understand do similarly - hmmm, reminds me of the 100th monkey phenomenon! (see ) - and I liked a word chosen as their focus for next year; however, even though I thought I would remember it, I didn't write it down and have since forgotten it!

I had recently pondered a word along the lines of pursuing my interests or the like. However, I discovered this past year that the word "passion" has a negative connotation as in "suffering."

Thus, keeping all the above in mind, do you perhaps now understand why I chose the word "transformation" as my focus or theme for 2015? That's the word that came to me spontaneously, i.e., intuitively.

Let’s see what happens, shall we? Stay tuned… ;)

Do you set resolutions, goals, or intentions? Any or all of the above? Which one(s) do you find work best for you? How do they work for you in terms of a focus for a new year?
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Happy 2015!! :)

P.S. I was going to feature a picture of a dart pointed in the middle of a dart board as that symbolized 'target' (read more above). However, since soccer is such a universal sport, I decided to depict a soccer goal instead! ;)

Linked to UltraBlog, Blog-A-Rhythm, and WordOfTheYear.



56 comments:

  1. WHen I was in school I used to make new year resolutions only to forget them. Now older and wiser I do not make them. Yes every night i make a to-do-list for next day and i tick them off one by one.

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    1. Yes, it is a wise think not to make resolutions as I referred to above. ;) Making a to-do list is certainly great for a feeling of accomplishment. I guess that's one way to meet your goals for the year! :) <3

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  2. Elly, you have beautifullywritten about New Year resolutions from all angles.Actually I have never come across a person who sticks to NYR beyond February. They are always broken. .

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    1. Thanks Usha. Yes, I think resolutions are meant to be broken! ;) Happy New Year to you dear. :) <3

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  3. I've never been one for making resolutions - but I love the idea of choosing a word for the year and using that as a target. Great word you've chosen! I'll be posting mine tomorrow and hosting a linkup for others who are writing about their word for the year - you're welcome to add this post to the linkup if you'd like to join the fun. :)

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    1. That's great Laurel that you are on the same page as I regarding resolutions and instead focusing on a word as a target. :) Happy New Year to you! :) <3

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  4. I don't have resolutions so much this year. I have a some undefined goals that I want to meet this year but that's about it.

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    1. It's actually better that you don't so no worries as I mentioned above. ;) Perhaps clarifying your goals will make them more of an actuality? Have a wonderful New Year! :) <3

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  5. I like the concept of goal. That is a status to reach, rather than making a commitment to dogged determination.

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    1. That's great if setting goals work for you Francene. I agree on your reason why! ;) <3

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  6. I haven't written resolutions for many, many (many) years. I had recently read about the "one word" and it came to me about 5:30 this morning, as my husband's alarm went off (he has to work today, I don't). I hope I remember my word a month from now, though!

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    1. Great that you haven't set resolutions as I wrote why about that above. Curious to know what your word is though! (Write it down if need be and/or use a symbol or image in your home and/or on your computer to remind you if need be...hope that helps! ;) <3

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    2. It's "different". Now that today is mostly over, I think I will remember it. Today it was easy to be different. Let's see what the coming days bring. Alana

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    4. Oh, that's right Alana. I did read it, albeit I think after I commented above. ;) <3

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  7. Great post, Elly. I like your idea of themes, words and targets instead of resolutions and goals. Your ideas seem less daunting and more fun than setting ourselves up for failure with rigid resolutions that are so hard to follow. I especially love the idea of a word theme to start off the year and I think transformation is a great one. Also the idea of calling a goal a target is a great way to look at it. I will have to think of a word theme too.

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    1. Thanks for your feedback Cathy. Yes, pick a word that resonates with you and see what happens! There's no right or wrong there...you can't fail, can you? At least, not like you can with resolutions! I would love to know what word you pick if you chose to share it, of course! ;) <3

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  8. I like the idea of setting a focus. Resolutions have never worked for me anyways. When we get more focused, we tend to get aligned with what needs to happen :)

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    1. Yes, I prefer the idea of setting a focus too and I love the way you explain why. The word 'focus' came to me intuitively as well during a healing meditation session the other day. ;) <3

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  9. Hi Elly,
    It's great to start out the New Year reading ch thoughts! Every Saturday night, I cut my phone calls short to a friend on the west coast. "I now, I know," he mocks, "Tomorrow's Sunday - a new week! How long will these resolutions last?" ;D But a new year?! I woke up feeling so excited! There are 52 new Sundays!!! Have a wonderful day!
    Amy

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    1. Hi Amy, what are "ch" thoughts? I'm curious! ;) Have a great day and new year too! :) <3

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  10. Hi Elly,
    Nice way to start the new year off right! Definately out with the old and in with the new! Happy New Year!

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  11. Great word, Elly. I've been choosing a word for the past three years, and I find it very helpful and less pressing than resolutions--although I can't help making a few of those, too. Forward and onward! and best of luck with your goal of "transformation."

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    1. Thanks Elaine! :) I'm glad to hear you are using words as themes for the year too. Aren't they a lot better - work better - than resolutions? ;) <3

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    2. ...I mean don't you find that words work better than resolutions as a theme for the year? ;) <3

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  12. hmm. interesting. After your comment on my focus words I don't know what inspires me really. Motivation? money? writing?

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    1. It's whatever works (best) for you Gail. If you do 'keep' the ones you chose, keep in mind that commitment is a part of discipline - one can't exist without the other. If you are committed, you are disciplined and vice versa. ;) Would it help to consider the end product of your word, that is, what would you like to be and/or have attained. For example, what do you wish to accomplish with writing? I'll have to ponder your question too for a possible thorough examination! ;) <3

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  13. I participate in My One Word. This year I joined Jon Acuff's 10 Day Do Over Challenge. It's a 10 minute a day for 10 days commitment. That seems much more realistic that deciding to do something for 12 whole months.

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    1. That's basically what I am referring to in this blog post: one word as a theme for the year rather than resolutions. I started this years ago spontaneously, though for some reason had missed the practice a few years ago...not sure what happened. The 10 Day Do Over Challenge seems intriguing...I just had a look. However, what happens after the 10 days? My idea is a word you pick to base your year upon in terms of decisions and actions, and not beat yourself up over it if you don't think of it or do it every minute of each day for 12 months! ;) <3

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  14. I am into goals as long as they are measurable and quantifiable. If not, then maybe I need new goals. I don't believe in resolutions either... haven't for years....

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    1. Yes goals are great if they are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, and timely (or time-sensitive), going by memory here. However, I have heard - was it a TED talk though can't seem to find it - that setting a target is better than a goal. Something perhaps to consider as what happens if you don't meet a goal? Maybe that's why they call it a 'moving target.' ;) <3

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  15. Happy New Year! Funny, I started off saying nearly the same thing - even in the title of my blog post - about preferring to think of a plan of action, with baby steps or bite size chunks to reach goals instead of getting swept up in the "New Year's Resolutions" trap that so often results in failure!

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    1. Well, they do say, "Great minds think alike" don't they?! ;) Happy New Year to you too! :) <3

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  16. Great idea. I too don't make them. Wish you a wonderful new year. Transformation into a fabulous year.

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    1. I'm glad to hear you don't Inderpreet! ;) And I wish you likewise a wonderfully new year! :) <3

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  17. Well, I am just too lazy to set resolutions and then follow them :D Too tedious a job and why spoil a new year ;) I work my way towards what I like and want to do! And, the year comes by along! :) Cheers and Best Wishes Ellly!

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    1. Ah, for once I am glad you are too lazy to set them as they don't work generally anyway! ;) And seems like you are driven enough to reach your goals by the sounds of it! ;) A very happy and successful new year to you! :) <3

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  18. I liked your post. I stopped setting resolutions years ago. But this year I decided that I needed to make some changes in my life. I won't use the R word or the D word, but I am making changes. The biggest one is not carrying baggage from last year into this year. But it is hard already.

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    1. Thanks for your feedback and comment 'S Momma' (so I avoid the 'S' word!) ;) I'm glad you stopped setting resolutions awhile back too. :) You've got me stumped: what is the 'D' word? I finally figured out the 'R' word thinking you were avoiding swearing - what can I say?...look at your user name! ;) LOL I love the idea of leaving old baggage behind: a great way to start the new year. All the best to you with that and wishing you a very happy new year! <3

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  19. Lovely idea for the year , Elly. I particularly like your word for the year :) Happy 2015!

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    1. Thanks Shailaja. :) Wishing you a happy and healthy 2015! <3

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  20. You too picked a great word. One of my favorite quotes is:

    Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over it became a butterfly.

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    1. Thanks Pamela. :) Love that quote: thanks for sharing it with me! :) <3

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  21. True that! Resolutions generally tend to disappear based on the strength of our will power. Single the whole thing into a word and it becomes a focus. That's pretty workable! I do hope to see how the word 'transformation' helps transform you in 2015 ;)

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    1. That's indeed the case: it really depends on our willpower, though most people it seems don't have enough of it the way resolutions seem to work, or rather not work! ;) I am eager to find out too how transformed I will be by the end of this year! ;) A very happy new year to you dear! :) <3

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  22. To me, transformation means being open to change. I think that is so important for the creative process. Thanks, Elly, for all your insight. Funny how our words just pop up and seem right to us, isn't it? Maybe the Universe is helping...

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    1. Yes I agree Gina, that transformation implies being open to change. Thanks for sharing. :) <3

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  24. Thank you for sending me here Elly. This was a lovely read. I too don't like making resolutions. As for making a word the focus of the my blog I think it would be 'passion'. :) I hope to bring that more also into my life and I don't just mean the romantic sort! Take care and bests always, Sam.

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    1. You're welcome Sam, though I don't recall actually how you got here, though thanks for visiting! ;) Passion is a great word; however, the true (old/original) meaning is "suffering" or along that line, so you may wish to keep that in mind. ;) May you have a year full of dreams come true! :) <3

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  25. This is certainly a different approach, Elly. I like your word thought. As for me, no resolutions as such, but a few key goals - measurable - my brain seems to work better that way.

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    1. Yes, it certainly is Donna, and isn't it great? ;) Whatever works best for you...there is no pressure or 'need to'...just a suggestion, a different approach. Have a great 2015! :) <3

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  26. I tend to avoid anything that sets me up to fail...there is just no point.

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    1. Oh sorry to hear Kathy! You mean, you don't even just accept a challenge? ;) <3

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