Ready, Set, Go!

I love new beginnings because it feels like the chance to start over— to make better decisions than in the past, to break out of the trappings of old choices and make better ones. But in reality, it doesn’t take a new year— all it takes is making a goal and keeping a self-promise.

We make choices every day. I believe we are the product of our choices. If you are unhappy, frustrated, or bored, you have the ability to choose something different, and you don’t have to wait for a new year to make a decision. You can do it on any day, at any time. Feeling stuck with your writing? Write something new or better yet what I often say to my students, finish what you’ve started! In a dead-end job? Maybe it is time to update the résumé, or time to take some night classes so you can move into a new career. Need to lose some weight? Join a gym and start with an exercise class.

Of course it’s easy to stay where you are, which is why so many of us get stuck in ruts—because it is easy. But if you really want to move forward, you can make the decision to get out of your comfort zone and make the leap into something new by having a goal.  

The worst thing you can do is to not try.  To be aware of what you want, but to not give in to it, to not attempt. And to wonder, years down the road, “If only…” So this year, after the thrill of making a New Year’s resolution has worn off, remember that you don’t need an annual holiday to make a change. You can choose to redirect your life at any moment. Make this your year— the year of making better choices.