When Resolutions Don’t Stick

By: Heather Bright

As we approach summer, New Year’s resolutions are mostly forgotten thoughts. Not surprisingly, according to Forbes, only 8% of people actually accomplish a well-intentioned resolve to change. Let’s not wait for the start of 2020 to do it. Today is a good day to jumpstart change.

Ask yourself: When was the last time I tried something new?

Perhaps you think only adventurous people try new things. Admittedly, I do envy the ability of some men and women to actually enjoy change and to thrive on new ideas and tasks. That’s not me; but I do have the advantage of having an adventurous spouse. He’ll likely never get me to go skydiving again, but I can’t deny that it was an incredible thrill. I’ve learned a few things while living with someone who regularly tries new things:

• Don’t be afraid to fail. Or lose. Or not do it as well as someone else. When I saw an ad from our local newspaper looking for columnists, I sent in an idea that day. Before then, I had never written a column. In fact, I hadn’t written anything since English class years ago. My column was approved, and I’ve been writing ever since. In this situation, I had nothing to lose except the time it took to send in my idea. I knew I wouldn’t write like a seasoned writer. I considered the chance that I may never hear back. Even so, I wasn’t afraid to try.
   
• Difficult doesn’t equal impossible. Often, we resist trying a new thing because it’s hard. It doesn’t come naturally. One of the most difficult changes I’ve ever pursued is training myself to get up early. When I joined the YMCA, I looked forward to working out. That was not the issue. Making the time for it seemed impossible, though. I realized that the only suitable time for me would be early in the morning. It wasn’t easy, but over time it has become easier. Implementing change will always require forming new habits, but will ultimately stretch you into a better version of yourself.
   
• You only live once. I don’t wear a YOLO t-shirt, and I certainly have enough going on in my life that I’m not constantly looking for the next adventure. But recently, I decided that the only way I will get the most out of life is to live it to the fullest. First, this means that I want to be as healthy as I can be physically, spiritually, and emotionally so that I can truly enjoy life. Then, it means that I must be willing to do things that I normally wouldn’t do. With only one life to live, let’s live it well and without regret.

We’ve almost hit the halfway point of 2019. Don’t wait until the ball drops on New Year’s Eve to resolve to try something new. Do it now. Try a new fitness class, play flag football or another sport at your local Y. If you haven’t joined the YMCA yet, you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. For more information, visit www.daytonymca.org/membership-information.