A new year was born, full of unexpected pleasures and challenges, full of potential, full of opportunities to live the life we want. How many of us made New Year’s resolutions? If you have ever made resolutions, how did it work for you? Were they sustainable? Did they last a week, a month? Why do resolutions often fail to stick?
Several years ago, my brother shared an approach to a new year that I have planned and done every year since: monthly or quarterly experiments. Each month, I try out something. If it was beneficial, I considered taking it in as a change in my life. Here are some examples of my past monthly or quarterly experiments and the results:
No social media It was a strange experience and a worthy experiment. I realized how much wasted time I spent on several social media platforms. I saw how mood-altering social media was. I decided to drop lots of “friends” and unfollow some groups and extraneous adverts. I extended the monthly experiment through the next month, then, I decided to pop back in to social media, but not invest as much time and of myself as I had before I took a break from it.
Capsule Wardrobe January - March, I committed to the ‘Project 333’ https://bemorewithless.com/ . It was a powerful experiment that has forever changed my wardrobe and clothing buying.
Walking 2 miles a day I chose a winter month to do this experiment because I knew it would be extra challenging to walk in the cold weather. I ended up joining the YMCA to walk indoors on a treadmill and that got me going to the ‘Y’ for water aerobics, yoga, and other classes.
Read for pleasure Even though I love to read, this was a tough one because, at the time, I was a college English professor so my job included reading, reading, reading papers. Still, I realized how much I missed reading for reading pleasure. Because I’m a writer, reading is essential.
Cooking every day This was a great experiment because I learned I like a combination of cooking at home and going out to eat.
No complaining This was, surprisingly, a difficult experiment. It showed me how much I complained and how complaining seemed to be the glue that held together some friendships. I do complain sometimes now, but I know why I do it rather than it being an unconscious act.
No alcohol This was easier than I thought, and the results were clear thinking, naturally luminous skin, and no puffiness under my eyes.
I don’t make resolutions anymore; I commit to monthly or quarterly experiments. Short term experiments work much better for me and others. What experiments will you commit to this year?
To reach me about Life Coaching or about my Re-Imagine Writing online course, please email me at reimaginelife22@gmail.com.
