I love New Year’s resolutions. I know a lot of people who don’t and I get that too, but I like starting a new year off fresh and with purpose. Personally, I find the exercise of making a resolution to be valuable.

Mind you, my New Year’s resolutions have nothing to do with weight loss, money or bad habits. Rather, I try to identify some trait within myself that I know needs work. I find that when I take a personal inventory and articulate a goal, in resolution form, it takes on more meaning and allows me to set my mind toward achieving that goal in a much more resolute manner.

It’s kind of like; the first step is admitting you have a problem. Once I acknowledge whatever my most egregious character flaw is at the time, it is easier to overcome. For me, it’s about personal growth, development and becoming a better person. But clearly this doesn’t come easy seeing I’ve been at this resolution making approach since 2005.

So, what kind of New Year’s resolutions am I talking about?

I won’t bore you with all of them, but here are a few of my favorites.

2006 – Make No Apologies

I committed to “make no apologies.” I often found myself saying sorry for things that either I wasn’t sorry for or weren’t my fault in the first place.  For example, someone might harshly bump into me on the street and I’d say “Oh sorry” as they proceeded rudely on their way. The only thing I found more annoying than the jerk that ran into me, was me saying I’m sorry for their mistake.  I’m happy to say, I no longer do that.

2011 – Less Is More

I declared that “less is more” and I absolutely love living by that motto. No more overbooking myself or overscheduling the kids. Now, if I can’t or don’t want to do something, I politely decline and forget about the FOMO (fear of missing out.)

2014 – Don’t Dwell In The Past

I told myself “don’t dwell in the past.” That was a good one as I can be a bit of a grudge holder.  When I realized how much energy I wasted on things that were out of my control, done and over with, I knew I needed to get a grip and move on. I like the saying, “look where you’re going, not where you’ve been!”

Now, here we are in 2017. This year I’ve decided to “stop second guessing myself.” There were a lot of changes in 2016. Those that affected me personally and professionally left me angst ridden; wondering if I’d made the best decisions. But now, rather than question my choices, I embrace them.

With this New Year’s resolution in place, I have clarity and enthusiasm for what’s to come in 2017.

For me, resolutions are helpful. Have you made a New Year’s resolution? How do you feel about them?