When we think about the year ahead, many of the intentions we set focus on things in our lives that we want to improve in some way. We may want to exercise more, improve relationships, or stop a bad habit. The tendency is to make the resolutions around something that is lacking.
I think we should shift perspective and discover resolutions that would bring us joy instead of those that feel like a chore. Why focus on things that are wrong with us? Why not focus on what is great and become even stronger at that? We could even take an activity we love and make a resolution to do more of that in the year ahead.
My Story – Joyful Resolutions
I have always been a new year planner. I set goals and create a vision of what will be completed by the end of the year. Most of the activities on the list are areas of my life I want to improve or advance.
This approach shifted in 2019. That year, I selected “Joyful” as my word of the year with the goal of rediscovering what brought me joy. I hoped to be more spontaneous and enjoy the moment.
In case you wonder how the year turned out, here are just a few highlights: A spontaneous 2-hour drive to see and photograph blue ice, watching a hot air balloon launch for the first time, re-igniting my love for fiction reading, and joining an online photography group to inspire my creativity.
What I learned that year was the importance of having joyful resolutions on my list. Each year, I still have improvement goals on the list. However, I make sure to intentionally plan at least one joyful part of my life that I enjoy and want more of in the year ahead.
Areas that don’t need to “get better”.
Instead need to “Do more”.
Your Turn
As you think about the year ahead, what would bring you joy?
Are there activities that you love that you want to do more? Add them to the list!
Could you turn a “get better” goal into a “joyful” goal?
If exercise more seems like a chore, maybe take a daily mile walk with a friend might be fun. Two approaches that get to the same end and yet they feel totally different.