Hey Steem!
I know that the internet, our conversations, and nearly every form of communication have been steeped in New Year's resolutions. Just downright saturated with them. I'm going to talk about mine, because I'll take any opportunity to reflect and make changes accordingly. I apologize in advance ;)
NYE in TahoeI am currently reading "How to Fail at Everything and Still Win Big" by Scott Adams. The piece of advice that has resonated with me the most is that we should be "systems- oriented" instead of "goal- oriented". He defines this as consistently adhering to habits that have a good chance of improving our circumstances VERSUS defining success as achieving a certain something. In the first scenario, every time we engage in one of these habits- we have succeeded. In the second, we spend most of our time in a state of "not there yet" that is anxiety- provoking and fails to allow us to enjoy the journey. Thus, resolution #1: create a system. Hopefully, the rest of these resolutions provide the framework.
Resolution #2: Turn my apologies into gratitude. I am a relentless over- apologizer. I say I'm sorry for countless things that range from being not my fault to beyond anyone's control. While apologizing can be a hugely humbling and necessary act, it becomes devoid of meaning when overused. It can also introduce negativity into our interactions. In most circumstances, an expression of gratitude is a revolutionary alternative. Instead of "I'm sorry I'm late", say "Thank you for waiting". Instead of "I'm sorry I bumped into you", say "Thank you for being here today". ALL OF THESE are phrases that compliment and lift up the person on the other side of the interaction. Positivity begets positivity. Let's spread that shit everywhere.
Resolution #3: a collection of habits to contribute to my system- in- progress
- brush my teeth 2X a day (yeah I usually only do it once, I'm a slacker)
- meditate 2X a week (Harvard recently published an awesome study on gray matter increases in the frontal lobe in response to regular meditation- https://www.davidwolfe.com/meditation-rebuilds-brains-gray-matter-in-8-weeks/)
- read articles 2X a week, be it new scientific studies, current events, ect.
- listen to podcasts 2X a week
--> I have come to realize that exposing myself to other people's opinions and knowledge is crucial for expanding my own thinking. There is such a diversity of information out there, and I cannot wait to delve into it. - STRETCH every day- recovery from exercise is just as important as the exercise itself.
Resolution #4: Be considerate and accountable
I have a tendency to avoid responding to text messages. I'll check them, put my phone down, and forget to give a response. In doing so I keep people waiting for plans, answers, ect. It even spreads into my professional and "necessary for adult life" correspondences. I will put off engaging and subsequently become overwhelmed with to- do's. Going forward, I will respond to people promptly. I will be considerate of their time and remain accountable for my part in maintaining relationships through communication. I will adhere to this habit so that it becomes a reflex.
I believe that giving ourselves something to strive for elevates our energy levels. It triggers healthy competition with ourselves, and gives us motivation to resist old impulses. It is almost like turning our lives into an empirical study: manipulating some variables while holding others constant in order to see what works for us. I am EXCITED by this prospect and the chance to move dynamically towards my own homeostasis.
