PODCAST EPISODE 138: Take the Pressure Off End-of-Year Expectations Around Resolutions

We are in that time of year where we are winding down, and there's pressure to put big goals out there for achieving big things in the coming year. 

The problem with new year's resolutions is that they don't last. In two weeks, the majority of us will forget all about the resolutions we set while sitting in front of the fire with a glass of wine.

Change is HARD, and our bodies and minds naturally resist change. After a year where we faced challenge after challenge, the thought of setting resolutions may seem daunting. (And, I'm not much of a resolution person to begin with.)

Rather than setting resolutions, which feel a lot like a list of things  I can and can't do, I prefer to choose a word of the year, which I think of as a word that guides my decisions. When faced with two compelling opportunities, which one is more in alignment with the word I chose at the beginning of the year? When tempted to go down another rabbit hole, or try yet another new thing, is it something that embodies my word of the year?

A few years ago, the word I chose was ALOHA. We had just returned from a Christmas vacation to Maui. I love Hawaii, and it's been a goal of mine to live there, at least part time, once my kids are out of high school and college. I wanted to bring the spirit of Hawaii home with me, and I decided to make it my mission to celebrate the best parts of Hawaii in my life in Kansas every day. (Things like time in nature, being present, hiking, challenging your body, eating delicious foods, and taking an interest in those around you are things you can do every day, no matter where you live.)

Last year, I might have chosen a word, but I couldn't tell you what it was. My year quickly became stressful, and then like yours, it was turned upside down. I think we all get credit for RESILIENCE as our word of the year for 2020.

We might not have chosen it, but we proved we are more resilient than we think.

I'm pretty sure we now see why the Roaring 20s might have been named the Roaring 20s. After the pandemic of  1918, people were ready for some fun! They wanted to go out, let loose, and celebrate with friends. 

And, so I predict the same for 2021 and 2022. People will be ready for adventure, fun, and celebration. (And, of course I believe that running should be part of that fun! Want to train with my virtual run club to prepare to run or walk in amazing places? I've loved seeing the world on foot from my favorite racing and vacation destinations)

I'm still working on my word of the year for 2021, but I'm leaning toward DREAM LIFE. Okay, that's a phrase, but doesn't that embody what I'm always preaching around here? I  have a pretty sweet life, but I still have things I want to accomplish... and I need to get that house in Hawaii!! 

You can check out more of my thoughts around taking the pressure off of new year's resolutions in this podcast episode. Listen via the player above, or search Power Up Your Performance anywhere you listen to podcasts!