If you haven't been greeted by someone wishing your Happy New Year, let me be the first. Wheeling around on the first day of 2020 has people feeling extremely joyful. Perhaps it's because there are four more days before everyone is heading back to work. Or maybe the reason is people are excited for the new year ahead. However, the latest trend of not having New Year's Resolutions has offered a lot less stress for folks who have never enjoyed planning.
2020 New Year's Resolutions: You have any?
Years ago I remember when New Year's resolutions where the thing to do. I mean you practically had a list to show everyone by Christmas. Then by New Year's Eve you were expected to make plans to accomplish the tasks. Even advertisements were pushing folks for considering making big changes. In 2020, it appears people have chilled a little bit and even if they have goals, there isn't a huge push for a proclamation. Do you have any New Year's Resolutions, but have kept them quiet?
When did New Year's Resolutions become bad?
In the past few years the tables have turned when it comes to how we talk about resolutions. It's just not PC to be ambitious about the New Year and share our desires or goals. Yep, New Year's Resolutions have become bad. At first I really did think it was all about the stress, but over time I've seen people squirm listening to people's resolutions. I've determined it's all about the level of ambition.
People who think about New Year's resolutions (and perhaps don't even write a list) are looking at their future and desiring better. It's what I would consider to be a healthy focus on life. For those folks who feel thinking in this manner is just too much, well they have really played up the PC aspect of resolutions. What if you don't get the list done? How will you look to your friends? What if you are being too unrealistic in your life? Obviously it's easier to do nothing than strive for something. This bad behavior aspect of desiring resolutions is a heavy shadow. Even a creative like me, having goals like New Year's Resolutions, which are important to move forward isn't exactly approved social chatter.
New Year's Resolutions in Ads: Now it's about Lifestyle Changes
How New Year's Resolutions are reflected in ads is also different this year. For all the weight commercials on TV, there is no chatter about making a resolution in 2020. It's implied by the idea of making a lifestyle change. The other commercials I've seen also veer away from the actual idea of resolutions and really focus on the aspect of making an impact in your life with a commitment. Yes, it's pretty much a New Year's Resolution, but said differently.
New Year's Resolutions or Not: You Need Goals
It's hard to try to wrap my head around the idea of a consistent routine without striving towards resolutions. I've tried it. I couldn't cut it and yes, I was consistently reminded not to be so ambitious and to stop talking about my goals during the routines.
Ultimately, I went back to my vision board, my goal sheets, all the lists and my focused positive practices. While we all strive to do our best, the idea of putting down resolutions because it shows ambition is ridiculous. It's just as rude as pointing out someone who is stagnant and too comfortable then refuses to make any changes in their lives. The idea of finding a balance is what needs to happen at the beginning of the year. It might mean a few New Year's Resolutions are perfect to start the year. Or none at all. Either way you shouldn't be looked down upon for doing your own thing and living your best.